Continuous Bladder Irrigation
What You Should Know about Continuous Bladder Irrigation
Following almost any medical procedure involving the urinary system, continuous bladder irrigation is required to flush the bladder. This is usually a short term inpatient procedure, lasting only as long as needed by the condition.
This procedure is often deemed necessary for men who have had prostatectomy. The prostate is an organ with many blood vessels, and when any type of surgery of the prostate is performed, there is generally profuse bleeding with clots forming. In order to remove the blood and the clots, continuous bladder irrigation is used. A special catheter is inserted into the bladder by way of the urethra called the Foley catheter. A small balloon attached at the end of the catheter is filled with saline solution once it reaches the bladder to hold the catheter in place. While the catheter is in place, regular urination is not possible. Having the balloon and catheter in the bladder may falsely give a feeling of fullness along with the urge to urinate.
On the catheter is a special “Y” adapter to allow two flows of fluid; one in, the other out. Good sized bags of saline solution are used to flush the blood and clots from the bladder on an ongoing basis. In the beginning, it is not unusual for the outgoing fluid to be quite bloody. Over the next 2 to 3 days, the fluid becomes gradually clearer as the continuous bladder irrigation does its job and the body begins to heal the surgical area. Drinking plenty of water will help to clear the bladder more quickly.
Another instance when continuous bladder irrigation may be prescribed is in the case of severe bladder infection. To infuse the bladder with the antibiotics necessary to battle the infection, the catheter is inserted to bathe the bladder with a solution including the medication.
Generally speaking, the catheter delivering the continuous bladder irrigation, whether for flushing or administrating medications, is removed within 48 hours. This is dependant upon the patient’s condition and the clarity of the urine at that time. The removal of the catheter may result in a slight burning feeling, and the urge to urinate when the bladder is empty may be felt. These sensations usually clear up after a short period; however, contact your doctor if the feelings persist.
Discussing the procedure of continuous bladder irrigation with your medical professional will serve to answer any questions you may have, as well as help with your understanding of the procedure. It is an extremely common inpatient process performed numerous times on a variety of patients. While there may be some feelings of discomfort, the procedure is designed to speed your healing and recovery.