How To Place A Coude Catheter?

For most people, urination is a natural process without any obstacles. However, for those who experience difficulty urinating, it can be challenging to do so independently. In such cases, a catheter may be necessary to assist with urination and help the patient maintain a normal quality of life.

What Is a Coude Catheter and When Is It Used?

A Coudé catheter is a medical device designed for urinary catheterization. Compared with straight-tip catheters, it features a slightly angled tip, making it ideal for navigating around obstructions in the urethra, such as an enlarged prostate or strictures. Produced in the early 20th century, the Coudé catheter was created to improve patient comfort and reduce trauma during insertion. Over time, with advancements in materials and technology, it has been a must-have tool in modern urology, particularly for managing urinary retention and other related conditions.

When It Used?

1. Enlarged prostate
2. Urethra stricture
3. Difficult catheterization
4. When less trauma is needed

Step-by-Step Guide to Placing a Coude Catheter Safely

How Male Insert a Coudé Catheter?

1. Prepare the Equipment  

A sterile Coudé catheter, lubricating jelly, gloves, and a drainage bag. Make sure all equipment is sterilized and laid out in a clean area. 

 

2. Lie Flat (Patient)

The patient lies flat on their back with their legs slightly apart.  

3. Clean the Insertion Area  

Clean the genital area thoroughly with an antiseptic solution. Retract the foreskin (if applicable) to expose the urethral opening.  

4. Lubricate the Catheter  

Apply a generous amount of sterile lubricant to the catheter's tip. 

 

5. Insert the Catheter  

Hold the penis at a 90-degree angle to the body.  Keep the Coudé catheter's curved tip pointing upward (towards the 12 o'clock position).  Insert the catheter slowly and gently, advancing it until urine begins to flow.  

6. Inflate the Balloon (If Applicable)  

Once urine flows, inflate the retention balloon with sterile water to secure the catheter in place.  

7. Attach the Drainage Bag  

Connect the catheter to the drainage bag and ensure the tube is not kinked.  

8. Secure and Monitor  

Secure the catheter to the thigh or abdomen with tape to prevent movement.  Monitor for any signs of discomfort or complications.  

How Female Insert a Coudé Catheter?

The equipment preparation is the same as the male. 

1. Patient  

The female patient lies on their back with knees bent and legs apart (dorsal lithotomy position).  

2. Clean the Insertion Area 

Clean the urethral area and surrounding region thoroughly with an antiseptic solution.  

3. Lubricate the Catheter

Apply a generous amount of sterile lubricant to the catheter's tip.  

4. Insert the Catheter  

Identify the urethral opening (just above the vaginal opening).  Keep the Coudé catheter's curved tip pointing upward (towards the 12 o'clock position).  Then insert the catheter slowly and gently until urine begins to flow.  

5. Inflate the Balloon (If Applicable)  

Once urine flows, inflate the retention balloon with sterile water to secure the catheter.  

6. Attach the Drainage Bag

Connect the catheter to the drainage bag and ensure the tube is not kinked. 

7. Secure and Monitor  

Secure the catheter to the thigh to prevent movement.  And monitor for any discomfort or complications.  

If you are using it by yourself, you can follow the above tips. However, it is important to have proper training on how to use it.

Coude Catheter Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Catheterization requires inserting a catheter through the urethra into the bladder. For some patients, the process is painful. For example, women usually have shorter urethras, which are relatively straight and wide, so the discomfort caused by catheterization is slightly better.

Pain and Discomfort During Insertion

For men, the urethra is 18-20cm long and relatively narrow, so there will inevitably be more difficulties and discomfort when inserting a catheter. For middle-aged and elderly men, prostate hyperplasia compresses the urethra, which will further increase the difficulty of catheterization. Therefore, use sufficient lubricant to reduce friction and discomfort. Insert the catheter slowly and gently, avoiding any forceful movements. 

Risk of Infection

Improper sterile technique or incorrect catheter use can increase the risk of urinary tract infections. It is crucial to follow strict sterile procedures and ensure the cleanliness of the catheter and related tools.

Patient Anxiety or Fear

Before the procedure, explain the steps and sensations in detail to help reduce the patient’s anxiety. Encourage them to take deep breaths and relax, which can alleviate discomfort. Technical Challenges with Self-Use Provide patients with detailed instructions and ensure they receive professional training before attempting to use a Coudé catheter on their own.

Summary

If you have been trained and plan to try using it on your own, this comprehensive guide can be a valuable resource. It's normal to encounter difficulties during your first attempt, so feel free to to seek help from your doctor. Their guidance can make future self-use much smoother. Additionally, Bever Medical Coudé Catheter products are designed to provide enhanced comfort and efficiency, making the process more manageable for users.