Intermittent Catheter vs Indwelling Catheter, How to Choose?

Many reasons can lead to bladder dysfunction, such as spinal cord injuries, peripheral neuropathies, and even aging. Thus, it is need to adopt medical intervention or devices like intermittent catheters or indwelling catheters to help with urination. But don't worry, using the right catheter type can keep normal bladder function and prevent urine backflow. Because both intermittent and indwelling catheterization are commonly used before surgeries, we need to know the difference between them.

Straight Tip Female Intermittent Catheter

Why is pre-surgery catheterization needed?

To ensure smooth surgeries, doctors may use either an intermittent catheter or an indwelling catheter to prevent bladder injury and contamination in the surgical area. If anesthesia, it will relax the bladder sphincter, and catheterization can avoid involuntary urine leakage. Catheterization also helps monitor the patient's heart and kidney functions as well as the progression of their condition.

What is intermittent catheterization?

It involves inserting the Intermittent catheter into the bladder through the urethra when needed and removing it once the bladder is emptied. It is performed in clean conditions, based on a patient's water intake plan. Widely used for patients with spinal cord injuries or neurogenic bladder, it is considered the safest option by international urological associations.

What is indwelling catheterization?

Indwelling catheterization is typically done after anesthesia. The indwelling catheter is inserted into the bladder and left in place to continuously drain urine, providing comfort before surgery.

Pros and cons of intermittent and indwelling catheterization

Key Differences in Operation

The main operational difference between intermittent and indwelling catheters lies in the sterility requirement:

Intermittent catheter: Uses clean technique. Patients can perform it at home or outside the hospital with basic hygiene standards, such as using sterile catheters and discarding them after each use.

Indwelling catheter: Requires strict sterile technique because the catheter remains inside the body for an extended period. Any source of infection can travel through the catheter into the urethra or bladder. Therefore, doctors must carry out the procedure using sterile methods to prevent infections. 

Intermittent catheter or indwelling catheter, how to choose?

According to the above info, both intermittent and indwelling catheters have their pros and cons. Choosing the right catheter depends on the type of surgery, the patient's condition, the duration, and the type of anesthesia.

When to choose an intermittent catheter

1. The surgery is short, and long-term catheterization isn't needed after the procedure.

2. Local or regional anesthesia.

3. Bladder function is expected to recover.

4. Be concerned about lower infection risks.

When to choose an indwelling catheter

1. The surgery involves the urinary system.

2. The surgery is long or complex.

3. General anesthesia and the patient cannot urinate on their own.

4. Bladder function is temporarily affected.

Conclusion

In short, the decision on which catheterization way to use should be based on the specific situation. We offer safe catheter products and meet medical standards. If you'd like to know more details, welcome visit our product page. BEVER medical is a full-service catheter supplier, offering a wide range of high-quality urological products. You can also talk with our knowledgeable product experts to help you get the right product.