Catheter Changes
What are Catheter Changes?
Catheter changes are routine procedures in which an existing urinary catheter is removed and replaced with a new sterile catheter to ensure safe and effective bladder drainage. Regular catheter replacement helps reduce the risk of blockage, infection, and damage to the urinary tract.
Catheter changes may be performed for both urethral catheters and suprapubic catheters. The frequency of replacement depends on the type of catheter, the reason for its use, and your individual treatment plan, but most long-term catheters are changed every four to twelve weeks.
What are the Benefits of Catheter Changes?
Regular catheter changes are an important part of long-term urinary catheter care.
Benefits include:
- Maintains reliable bladder drainage
- Reduces the risk of catheter blockage
- Helps prevent urinary tract infections
- Minimises discomfort from worn catheters
- Allows inspection of the urinary tract and catheter site
- Reduces the risk of catheter-related complications
- Supports long-term bladder health
- Helps ensure the catheter continues to function properly
When are Catheter Changes Recommended?
Your healthcare provider will recommend catheter changes according to your clinical needs.
Common reasons include:
- Routine replacement of long-term catheters
- Catheter blockage
- Poor urine drainage
- Catheter damage or leakage
- Suspected catheter-related infection
- Build-up of mineral deposits within the catheter
- Patient discomfort
- Accidental catheter dislodgement requiring replacement
Emergency catheter replacement may be necessary if urine is no longer draining properly or if the catheter falls out.
What does Preparation for Catheter Changes Involve?
Preparation is usually simple and can often be carried out in an outpatient clinic, community healthcare setting, or at home by appropriately trained healthcare professionals.
Preparation may include:
- Review of your medical history
- Assessment of catheter function
- Examination of the catheter insertion site
- Discussion of any symptoms, such as pain, fever, or leakage
- Selection of the appropriate catheter size and type
- Cleaning of the catheter site using sterile technique
- Explanation of the procedure
Most catheter changes do not require fasting or anaesthesia, although lubricating gel containing local anaesthetic is commonly used for urethral catheter changes.
How are Catheter Changes Performed?
The procedure differs slightly depending on whether you have a urethral or suprapubic catheter.
For a urethral catheter, the healthcare professional first deflates the small balloon that holds the catheter inside the bladder. The existing catheter is then gently removed. After cleaning the urethral opening using sterile technique, a new lubricated catheter is carefully inserted through the urethra into the bladder. Once urine begins to drain, the retaining balloon is inflated with sterile water to secure the catheter in place, and the catheter is connected to a drainage bag or valve.
For a suprapubic catheter, the existing catheter is removed through the established tract in the lower abdomen after deflating the retaining balloon. A new sterile catheter is then inserted through the same opening into the bladder, the balloon is inflated, and correct placement is confirmed by observing urine drainage before reconnecting the drainage system.
The procedure usually takes only a few minutes and is generally well tolerated.
What to Expect during Recovery after Catheter Changes?
Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after the catheter has been replaced.
Following a catheter change, you may experience:
- Mild discomfort during insertion
- Temporary bladder spasms
- Slight blood staining in the urine
- Increased awareness of the new catheter for a short period
- Immediate improvement in urine drainage if the previous catheter was blocked
Patients should drink adequate fluids unless otherwise advised and monitor for signs of infection or poor catheter function.
You should contact your healthcare provider if you develop fever, severe pain, persistent bleeding, no urine drainage, or if the catheter falls out.
What are the Risks and Complications of Catheter Changes?
Catheter changes are generally safe when performed using appropriate sterile technique, but some risks can occur.
Possible complications include:
- Urinary tract infection
- Temporary bleeding
- Pain or discomfort during insertion
- Bladder spasms
- Difficulty inserting the new catheter
- False passage formation, particularly in men with urethral narrowing
- Catheter blockage
- Leakage around the catheter
- Injury to the urethra or bladder, although uncommon
- Accidental removal or displacement of the catheter
Your urologist or healthcare professional will advise how often your catheter should be changed, discuss any concerns you may have, and provide guidance on catheter care to help minimise complications and maintain healthy bladder function.