Pediatric Urinary Catheter Use Instructions and Considerations

Pediatric urinary catheters are medical devices used to drain urine from the bladder of children who are unable to urinate naturally. The use of these catheters can be essential for managing a variety of medical conditions, including urinary retention, urinary tract infections, and congenital abnormalities. However, the use of pediatric urinary catheters also comes with important considerations and instructions that parents and caregivers need to be aware of.

 

Types of Pediatric Urinary Catheters

 

Pediatric urinary catheters are available in a variety of types, each designed to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients. Some of the most common types of pediatric urinary catheters are:

 

Foley Catheter

 

A Foley catheter is a type of indwelling urinary catheter that remains in the bladder for an extended period of time. It consists of a flexible tube with a balloon at the end that is inflated with water or air to hold the catheter in place. Foley catheters are commonly used in pediatric patients who require long-term catheterization due to conditions such as spinal cord injuries, congenital abnormalities, or chronic urinary retention.

 

Coude Catheter

 

A Coude catheter is a specialized type of urinary catheter that has a curved tip. This curved tip makes it easier to navigate through the urethra, particularly in patients with anatomical abnormalities or strictures that make it difficult to insert a straight catheter. Coude catheters are often used in pediatric patients with urethral strictures or other conditions that make catheterization challenging.

 

Suprapubic Catheter

 

A suprapubic catheter is a type of urinary catheter that is inserted through the skin directly into the bladder. This catheter bypasses the urethra, making it a good option for pediatric patients who have difficulty urinating due to urethral strictures, trauma, or other conditions. Suprapubic catheters are typically used in children who require long-term catheterization and have not responded well to other types of catheters.

 

Intermittent Catheter

 

An intermittent catheter is a type of urinary catheter that is inserted into the bladder only when needed to drain urine. These catheters are typically smaller and more flexible than indwelling catheters, making them a good option for pediatric patients who only require catheterization occasionally. Intermittent catheters are often used in children with neurogenic bladder, a condition in which the bladder does not empty properly due to nerve damage.

 

Pediatric Urinary Catheter Materials

 

Pediatric urinary catheters are made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique properties and benefits.

 

Silicone

 

Silicone is a popular material used to make pediatric urinary catheters. It is known for its soft, flexible, and non-irritating properties, making it a good choice for use in sensitive areas such as the urethra. Silicone catheters are also biocompatible, meaning that they are well-tolerated by the body and unlikely to cause allergic reactions. Additionally, silicone is resistant to bacterial growth, which can help reduce the risk of infection.

 

Polyurethane

 

Polyurethane is another material commonly used to make pediatric urinary catheters. Like silicone, polyurethane is soft and flexible, making it easy to insert and remove. It is also biocompatible and resistant to bacterial growth. Polyurethane catheters are often used in patients who require long-term catheterization, as they can be left in place for extended periods of time without causing discomfort or irritation.

 

Latex

 

Latex is a traditional material that has been used to make urinary catheters for many years. However, it is less commonly used in pediatric urinary catheters today due to concerns about allergies and sensitivity. Some children may experience an allergic reaction to latex, which can cause irritation, redness, and discomfort. As a result, healthcare providers often recommend using silicone or polyurethane catheters instead of latex in pediatric patients.

 

Red Rubber

 

Red rubber is another traditional material that has been used to make urinary catheters. Like latex, red rubber is less commonly used in pediatric urinary catheters today due to the availability of more modern, synthetic materials. Red rubber catheters are typically less expensive than silicone or polyurethane catheters, but they may not be as comfortable or well-tolerated by pediatric patients.

 

Coated Materials

 

Some pediatric urinary catheters are made with coated materials that are designed to improve patient comfort and reduce the risk of infection. For example, some catheters are coated with a hydrophilic coating that becomes slippery when wet, making them easier to insert and remove. Other catheters may be coated with an antibacterial agent that helps to prevent the growth of bacteria on the catheter surface.

 

Pediatric Urinary Catheters Compared with Adult Urinary Catheters

 

While the basic function of urinary catheters is the same for both pediatric and adult patients, there are significant differences in the sizes and designs of these devices.

 

Size and Length Differences

 

Size difference

 

Typical pediatric catheter diameters range from 6 Fr to 10 Fr. 6 Fr to 8 Fr is for infants and very young children. 8 Fr to 10 Fr is often used for older children.

 

In contrast, grown-up urinary catheters can range in size from 8F to 24F or larger, with diameters ranging from 2.7 mm to 8 mm or more.

 

Length difference

 

Typical pediatric catheter length is around 20-30 cm (8-12 inches).

 

Male catheters’ length are typically 40-45 cm (16-18 inches). Female catheters’ lengths are usually around 20 cm (8 inches) or shorter.

 

Design Differences

 

In addition to size differences, pediatric urinary catheters may also have different designs than grown-up urinary catheters. Pediatric catheters are often designed with softer, more flexible materials to reduce the risk of discomfort or injury during insertion and removal. They may also have smaller, more rounded tips to minimize irritation to the urethra.

 

Grown-up urinary catheters, on the other hand, may be made with sturdier materials and have larger, more rigid tips to facilitate insertion in adult patients.

 

Choosing the Right Size

 

Choosing the right size of urinary catheter for a pediatric patient is crucial for ensuring proper drainage and minimizing discomfort. A catheter that is too small may not be able to drain urine effectively, while a catheter that is too large may cause irritation or injury to the urethra.

 

Healthcare providers will typically use a variety of factors to determine the appropriate size of a pediatric urinary catheter, including the patient's age, weight, and underlying medical conditions. In some cases, a trial and error approach may be necessary to find the best-fitting catheter for a particular patient.

 

If you are interested in learning more details about catheters designed specifically for children, here is a website of an experienced manufacturer: Hangzhou Bever Medical Device Co. Ltd. (www.bevermedical.com)

 

Pediatric Urinary Catheter from Hangzhou Bever Medical Device Co. Ltd.

 

Pediatric Urinary Catheter Use Instructions

 

Pediatric urinary catheter use instructions involves the procedures described as follows.

 

Preparation

 

Before inserting a pediatric urinary catheter, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will help reduce the risk of introducing bacteria into the child's urinary tract.

 

Lubrication

 

Apply a water-based lubricant to the tip of the catheter to make insertion easier and more comfortable for the child. Avoid using oil-based lubricants, as they can damage the catheter and increase the risk of infection.

 

Positioning

 

Position the child comfortably on their back with their legs slightly apart. You may need to use a blanket or towel to support the child's legs and keep them in place during the procedure.

 

Insertion

 

Gently insert the catheter into the child's urethra, being careful not to force it. If the catheter meets resistance, stop and check your positioning or consult with a healthcare provider.

 

If the catheter used is an indwelling catheter, after insertion you need to:

 

Inflate Balloon: If using an indwelling catheter, inflate the balloon with sterile water or saline according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will secure the catheter in place.

 

Secure Catheter: Tape the catheter to the patient's leg or abdomen to prevent it from being accidentally pulled out.

 

Monitor and Clean

 

Regularly monitor the catheter site for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. Clean the catheter and the surrounding area with soap and water as directed by a healthcare provider.

 

Removal

 

When it is time to remove the catheter, gently pull it out of the child's urethra. Do not force it, as this can cause discomfort or injury.

 

Considerations for Using Pediatric Urinary Catheters

 

This section is devoted to considerations for using pediatric urinary catheters, since only the proper use of this medical device yields the intended outcome for pediatric patients.

 

Comfort

 

Pediatric urinary catheters can be uncomfortable for children, especially during insertion and removal. It is important to be gentle and reassuring during the procedure, and to provide distractions or pain relief as needed.

 

Infection

 

The use of urinary catheters can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). It is important to follow proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands before and after touching the catheter, and to monitor the child for signs of infection, such as fever, increased urination, or pain in the urinary tract.

 

Long-term use

 

Children who require long-term catheterization may be at increased risk for complications, such as bladder stones or bladder spasms. It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider to monitor the child's condition and adjust the catheterization plan as needed.

 

Psychological impact

 

The use of urinary catheters can have a significant psychological impact on children, particularly those who are older and more aware of their condition. It is important to provide emotional support and counseling to help children cope with the challenges of catheterization.

 

Concluding remarks

 

Pediatric urinary catheterization is special, so healthcare providers, parents and caregivers should be informed of the above key points such as differences from adult catheters, use instructions and considerations in order to ensure that the child has a safe and comfortable experience with pediatric urinary catheterization.