Intermittent self catheterisation (ISC) Information for patients Gynaecology

Transcription

1 Intermittent self catheterisation (ISC) Information for patients Gynaecology

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3 What is ISC? Intermittent self catheterisation (ISC) is a simple technique where a narrow tube (catheter) is inserted through your urethra (the internal tube that allows urine to drain from your bladder out of your body). Why do I need to perform ISC? Complete or near complete emptying of your bladder is necessary for a healthy urinary system. If excess urine remains in the bladder it can breed bacteria leading to bladder or kidney infections. What causes the bladder not to empty completely? Possible causes can be: Following pelvic surgery (this may not prevent you from being discharged from hospital and with time your bladder should settle and empty in the normal way). Occasionally after long or difficult child birth. Nerve damage from spinal injury or disease. Communication problems between the bladder and the brain. How do I perform ISC? Before attempting ISC it may be useful to use a small mirror to find the location of the opening of your urethra. As you become more confident, it may be possible to 'feel' the urethra without using a mirror. This will allow you greater freedom to perform ISC in different locations for example home, work or travelling. page 3 of 8

4 Steps to performing successful ISC 1. Before you perform ISC it is always useful to try to pass urine in the normal way first. 2. Please wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. 3. Prepare the catheter according to the manufacturer's instructions. 4. You will need to wash the urethral opening with soap and water or a disposable wipe, spreading the labia (folds of skin) and wiping from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria. 5. Choose a comfortable position. If you have been asked to measure the urine you will need a jug. 6. Wash your hands again and part the labia to expose the urethral opening. 7. Holding the catheter firmly near the 'funnel', pass it gently through the urethra up into your bladder. 8. When the urine starts flowing, introduce the catheter further by another 2 to 3 cm. 9. When the urine stops flowing, slowly withdraw the catheter. If more urine begins to flow wait until it finishes before finally removing the catheter. page 4 of 8

5 urethra vagina How often should I perform ISC? This varies for each person. You will be advised how often to perform ISC by the nurse teaching you this procedure. The number of times you perform ISC will depend on the amount of urine drained through the catheter. How do I obtain the catheters? Your GP will provide you with a prescription for the catheters which you can either have delivered to your local pharmacy or a home delivery service. page 5 of 8

6 Some useful tips for ISC The catheters are single use and disposable in any household waste bin. Avoid touching the tip of the catheter as this may contaminate it. If you accidentally catheterise the vagina, you must use a new catheter. You should aim to drink between 1.5 and 2 litres of fluid (6-7 cups) per day. Constipation can make ISC more difficult so try to have your bowels open regularly. You can help this by eating a diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. If you notice a few spots of blood during or after performing ISC please don't worry, this can happen. However if the bleeding continues, please contact your GP or telephone the hospital for further advice. What if I find the catheter difficult to insert? This maybe because the sphincter muscle is usually not relaxed. This can happen if you are tense. It is a good idea to abandon this attempt at ISC and try again later. What if I find the catheter difficult to remove? Again, this maybe because the muscle may be tense. Please wait a couple of minutes and try coughing as this may help relax it. page 6 of 8

7 Who should I contact if I have any questions? If you need any further information then please do not hesitate to contact: Gynaecology Outpatients Department Gynaecology Ward G Gynaecology Ward G page 7 of 8

8 Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity Working hard to fund improvements that make life better for patients and their families Please donate to help us do more Registered Charity No Alternative formats can be available on request. Please Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2016 Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 SI 2005 No Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. PD6516-PIL142 v4 Issue Date: July Review Date: July 2018