Bard Catheter for Immediate Relief From Overflow Incontinence

It is usually the elderly people who are prone to develop the problem of 'overflow incontinence' consequent upon the enlargement of their prostrate glands. It so happens that when the prostrate gland (which encircles the urethra at the outlet of the bladder) gets enlarged, it depresses the urethra and thus hinders the free outflow of urine from the urethra. As the obstruction becomes more acute, a condition develops in which not all of the urine is emptied from the bladder at the time of voiding. When such a condition of obstruction progresses, there comes a time when the person can no longer empty his bladder at all. The bladder continues to fill, producing distention and considerable discomfort. This type of complete urinary retention constitutes an emergency. A bard catheter is, therefore, inserted into the bladder through the urethra to drain away the impounded urine and thereby provide immediate relief to the patient from an otherwise grave situation.

Self-catheterization:

In an emergency situation, when the availability of a doctor or trained professional poses another problem, it is possible to use the catheter by yourself to draw out the accumulated urine from the bladder. However, the following things must be procured before beginning the operation:

i) A bard catheter-it is available in both latex and non-latex variety because some people are allergic to latex.
ii) Drainage bag-for receiving the urine drawn from the bladder.
iii) Sterile lubricant-for lubricating the tip end of the catheter.
iv) Elastic leg strap-for strapping the drainage bag to your leg.
v) Genital cleansing solution.
vi) Irrigation syringe-for filling the balloon at the tip of the catheter with distilled water.

Anti-bacterial soap, medical tape, paper towels and sterile gloves may also be kept handy.

Step by step procedure:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap.
2. Dry your hands with clean towel and put on the sterile gloves.
3. Fill the irrigation syringe with 10 cc of distilled water for later use.
4. Lubricate the tip of the catheter to a few inches below-with sterile lubricant.
5. Get yourself comfortably seated. Note that you should be able to spread your legs with ease.
6. Clean your genital area meticulously with genital cleansing solution.
7. You may then start inserting the catheter into your urethra-gently and slowly.
8. When the catheter has reached the outlet of the bladder (sometimes called the neck of the bladder), you may then inject distilled water into the small tube at the upper end (which is also the drainage end) of the catheter. This is to inflate the balloon at the tip of the catheter. The inflated balloon is meant to keep the catheter firmly in place.
9. Gently tape the upper end of the catheter to your body so that any unnecessary movement may be avoided.
10. Attach the drainage bag to the upper end of the catheter and strap it to your leg with the help of the elastic strap.

Post-insertion Precautionary Measures:

It is advisable for those using bard catheters to ensure sufficient intake of water or fruit juices daily. Minimum 8 ounces of water - every 2 to 3 hours is recommended. Sufficient daily intake of fluids is essential for: making the urine dilute and keeping the catheter drained at all times. Catheter users are also advised to avoid taking Tea, Coffee, Alcohol, and even soft drinks-as these drinks might irritate the bladder and aggravate the situation.

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