An indwelling catheter, also called a Foley catheter, is a type of catheter that stays in the bladder after insertion. Depending on the condition, it could be for a long or short time. The Foley catheter has a balloon on one end. The balloon is placed in the bladder through the urethra. The balloon is inflated with a sterile saline solution so it does not slide out and stay there. The balloon is deflated when the catheter has to be removed.
A leg or bedside bag is attached to collect the urine via the catheter. The bedside or large bag is used during night time while sleeping so that the user does not get up and disrupt sleep, and the leg bag can be used during the day. The leg bag is attached to the thigh of the user with the help of leg straps. It gets hidden under the clothes and keeps you comfortable. The leg or larger bag should be drained once it is full of urine. It is advisable to empty the catheter bag when it is three-quarters or 3/4th full to avoid overflowing urine. Due to its smaller size, the leg bag needs to be emptied more frequently than the larger bag.
Below is a step-by-step process for emptying a catheter bag –
Make sure to clean your skin around the urethral area with a wipe or a washcloth.
After completing the process as mentioned above, you should call your healthcare provider if:
HPFY hosts a wide range of leg and bedside drainage bags from many top manufacturers. Here are the top 3 drainage bags:
The Bard Dispoz-A-Bag Leg Bag is ideal for less mobile people who have undergone surgery, suffer from urinary incontinence, or use a wheelchair. This leak-resistant drainage bag has a flip-flo drainage valve to drain the urine and an anti-reflux valve to prevent urine backflow. It helps keep the surroundings fresh by reducing odor. It is lightweight, comfortable to wear, reusable, and minimizes skin irritation.
The Hollister Urinary Drainage Bag collects urine, keeps a low profile, and allows the user to move freely. It has been designed to be discreet. Low-profile buttons are created on the leg bag to avoid any pressure while attaching the bag to the straps. This leg bag for foley catheters also features an anti-reflux valve to prevent the backflow of urine and an easy-to-operate drain valve. The design also includes pleated sides to increase the volume of the bag.
The Rusch EasyTap Leg bag with Flip Drain Valve and Strap is a leg bag that comes with adjustable leg straps to attach the bag to the thigh. The straps have reinforced buttons for convenient locking. It is made of soft, breathable material to reduce the risk of irritation. It has smooth round edges and volume markings for readability. This catheter leg bag has an anti-reflux valve to prevent urine backflow and a flip drain valve for emptying the bag easily.
Be cautious when you have a catheter inserted in your bladder. Ensure the connecting tube does not get entangled, and check if the urine flows without any obstacles. Avoid any activity that involves intense body movement. If you have a leg bag attached, ensure to empty the leg bag for the foley catheter when it is 3/4th full. If you must go out, empty your leg bag even if it is half full. This will save from overflowing of the bag. Properly flushing a catheter and draining a catheter bag is essential to avoid infections. If there is any discrepancy, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
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Akanksha Nigam has been a Health Products For You contributor since 2021. With a Masters Degree in Finance, she began her Marketing career in the banking industry. However, her interest in human ...
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