There are many kinds of catheters that can be used to provide urinary drainage for a male patient.
Parameters:
(1) number of lumens (lumina)
(2) external diameter (gauge)
(3) special features
Purpose of Catheter |
Number of Lumens |
simple, short term urinary drainage |
1 |
longer term drainage with an intracystic balloon |
2 (Foley) |
longer term drainage with an intracystic balloon and the need for an irrigation port |
3 |
Patient Factors |
Gauge |
typical adult male |
16 or 18 French |
urethral stricture |
12 or 14 French |
benign prostatic hypertrophy |
20 to 24 French |
significant hematuria with blood clots |
20 to 24 French |
Additional Patient Factors |
Special Feature |
latex allergy |
silicone |
history of or risk factors for urinary tract infections |
silver coated |
benign prostatic hypertrophy |
coude tip |
where:
• Coude = French for elbow
Specialty: Nephrology, Clinical Laboratory