What should you know about cystoscopy catheter?

The catheter is a soft tube that passes through the urethra into the bladder. It may be removed before discharge or remain temporarily, depending on swelling, bleeding, difficulty urinating, and any biopsy or treatment performed through the scope.

A straightforward viewing cystoscopy may finish without a catheter. One becomes more useful when the bladder must stay empty, urine output needs observation, or irrigation is needed to reduce blockage from blood and clots. It can also bypass temporary difficulty passing urine after anaesthesia or urinary tract treatment.

A small balloon inside the bladder holds an indwelling catheter in place. Urine travels through tubing into a drainage bag. Pressure, urgency, or bladder spasms can occur even while it drains, because the bladder may react to the tube and balloon.

Wash your hands before and after handling the system. Keep the tubing free of kinks, secure it so it does not pull, and position the drainage bag below bladder level without letting it rest on the floor. Empty the bag using the method shown by the clinical team and avoid disconnecting the closed system unnecessarily.

Follow personalised advice on bathing, fluids, activity, medicines, and the removal appointment. Do not tug on the catheter or attempt removal unless you have explicit instructions. Check that urine continues to enter the bag; if flow slows, first look for compressed tubing or a bag that is too high.

Contact the urology service for worsening bladder spasms, increasing leakage around the tube, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, new bleeding, or pain at the urinary opening. Fever and chills require prompt advice, especially when accompanied by back, side, or lower abdominal pain.

Get urgent help if the catheter stops draining and your bladder feels full or painful, heavy bleeding or clots obstruct the tubing, the catheter falls out, or you become faint, confused, or severely unwell. Never force the tube back into place or improvise irrigation at home.

Find out why the catheter is needed, how long it should remain, who will remove it, and what urine colour and discomfort are expected. Ask for a demonstration of bag care, written contact details, and a clear plan if drainage stops during the night.