Foley Catheter Problems

I am a young, female quadriplegic who uses a Foley in-dwelling catheter to drain my bladder.  I have no movement or sensation below my chin.  Although I drink more than seven litres of water daily, I have frequent problems with my catheter not draining properly, which causes me to experience autonomic dysrefexia quite severely until the catheter is changed.  This problem is becoming truly detrimental to my health.  I have tried many solutions: cranberry juice, a pure silicone catheter, and the drug ditripan, but little has helped.  I have cystocopies once a year to remove small bladder stones.  I do not have a bladder infection now and rarely do get one.  My urologist has run out of suggestions.  I would truly appreciate any advice that anyone out there might have.  Thank you!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

There are several considerations.  Antibiotics and anti-spasmodic medications can be considered to treat the frequent cather discomfort.  

Other appoaches include surgical cutting of the external urethral sphincter or endoscopic injection of paralytic agents directly into the external urethral sphincter muscle.

If those approaches are not feasible, you may want to discuss the option of a suprapubic cathether (an indwelling catheter that is placed directly into the bladder through the abdomen) with your urologist.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.

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