11 replies to this topic

[Irenec]

Why do catheters slowy leak?.

My husband has had an indwelling one in for about 3 weeks,and it has started to weep.

So will we if we cannot sort it!

Edited by Apparelyzed, 07 July 2006 - 12:49 PM.

[benok]

hello,

I think foley caths (indwelling catheters) need to be replaced every now and then because the tip inside gets clog too. Several foreign "things" accumulate that somehow causes the leaks to overflow because it has no other way to pass through. Also, if it is changed every now then, infection is lessened.

[Apparelyzed]

The most common reasons for catheter leaks are:

Deflated catheter balloon
Localised infection around the catheter
Bladder spasms
Bladder infections
Partialy blocked catheter causing the bypassing of urine
Using the wrong sized catheter.

Hope this helps, anyone have any other causes?

Simon

[Irenec]

Apparelyzed, on Jun 11 2006, 11:14 AM, said:

The most common reasons for catheter leaks are:

Deflated catheter balloon
Localised infection around the catheter
Bladder spasms
Bladder infections
Partialy blocked catheter causing the bypassing of urine
Using the wrong sized catheter.

Hope this helps, anyone have any other causes?

Simon

Thankyou Simon. How do you ,or the doctors,and nurses know what size to use?
Also if the catheter is in for a few months, whilst waiting for treatment how do you know which type is the best to use.The Uroligist suggested using a Silicone 14".The one the district nurse used was not Silicone,but Hydrogel coated latex

Edited by Irenec, 30 June 2006 - 05:33 PM.

[juless]

Hello I'm a nurse and I find the most common reason for a leak is the water balloon and it may need a little more water, you can always try a condom cath instead. You have to check those more while they are on and they get changed every couple of days it makes people more independant to be able to do it themselves.

[Apparelyzed]

Quote

Hello I'm a nurse and I find the most common reason for a leak is the water balloon and it may need a little more water,

Yes, when we inflate the balloon, we put 10mls in, but when we come to change the catheter, there can be as little as 4mls in the balloon.

Where the other 6mls goes is just one of life's little mysterys!

As for catheter size, I've had the same size for 15 years, I presume a nurse once suggested the size, but it's so long ago, I can't remember!

Simon.

[Simon]

When you say leak, do you mean the discarge at the end of the penis around the catheter which is normally brown at all? This is just a urethral reaction to the cath irritating its lining, the length of time a cath is in depends upon what its made of. Can't tell you offhand the different times recommended. How long is it going to be in for?

[Irenec]

Simon, on Jul 2 2006, 02:08 PM, said:

When you say leak, do you mean the discarge at the end of the penis around the catheter which is normally brown at all? This is just a urethral reaction to the cath irritating its lining, the length of time a cath is in depends upon what its made of. Can't tell you offhand the different times recommended. How long is it going to be in for?

If the leg bag is put below the knee the tube can pull and stretch ,with the wieght of the leg bag filling up.
IF the leg bag is strapped above the knee (the top straps) and the bottom strap below,it causes a kink.
This has been one of the causes for it to leak.The catheter had been in for about a month.It has now been changed.(renewed)
Do some catheters have different tube lengths to accomodate the leg bag?
My husband is not use to having a catheter,he has managed for over thirty years without one.He is waiting to go into the spinal unit,to have a cystoscopy,and maybe a spinctorectomy (i cannot spell these)
He was really ill, AD untill he was prescribed oxybutinin.Now we dont know if he definately needs to keep
the catheter in ,as the bladder spasms and AD are under control.
After 30 odd years it is still a learning game!
Iam really grateful for the help,on this site!

IRENE

Edited by Irenec, 05 July 2006 - 09:00 PM.

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

How long is the tubing on the legbag?

I have long legs and use a long tubed legbag, I'll get my wife to measure its length and get back to you.

Regards

Simon.

[Apparelyzed]

Ok,

I use an Aquadry legbag made by Coloplast.

The Ref No: 783536

The tubing is 40cm long.

The legbag capacity is 750ml, with a lever action tap.

Is the tubing any longer than the legbags you use?

Hope this helps

Simon.

[Irenec]

Apparelyzed, on Jul 6 2006, 10:19 AM, said:

Ok,

I use an Aquadry legbag made by Coloplast.

The Ref No: 783536

The tubing is 40cm long.

The legbag capacity is 750ml, with a lever action tap.

Is the tubing any longer than the legbags you use?

Hope this helps

Simon.

The leg bag used is Aquadry Ref No is 783489.The same as you use, but short tube.
Does the one you use kink? The tube of the catheter seem to be long.My husband is over 6 foot with long legs therefor useing a long tube leg bag,and a long tube catheter. it could end up dragging behind his wheelchair. (joke)
Irene

D

THe

[Apparelyzed]

I bring my catheter out to the side of my leg, towards the outside edge of my thigh.

Always make a large arc with the catheter/legbag tube, therefore reducing sharp angles.

Also, make sure you secure the tubing on the thigh in place with tape. I use strips of Mefix to stop the tubing moving.

I'm also 6ft with long legs.

Simon.