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My bladder, my life

Bladder management

  • Bladder types
  • Starting with catheters
  • Problems
  • Life hacks
  • Inside the bladder
  • Equipment
Problems
  • Working out what's wrong
    • I normally perform intermittent catheters and have recently started leaking in between
    • I have a suprapubic catheter and have recently started leaking out my penis or urethra
    • I’ve had lots of UTIs lately and they seem to keep coming back after I finish my antibiotics
    • I’m having trouble passing my catheter
  • Other problems
    • Watching your fluids
    • How to avoid a urinary tract infection (UTI)
    • Autonomic dysreflexia
    • Bladder and kidney stones
    • Prostatitis
    • Leaking
    • Bleeding
    • Vesicoureteral reflux
    • Hydronephrosis
    • Stricture
    • False passage
    • Catheter blockages
    • Bladder washout

    Catheter blockages

    One of the most common complications associated with long-term catheterisation is blockage. Some people are more at risk of catheter blockage than others. The reason for this are unknown.

    A blockage is when urine fails to drain from the catheter. This may result in the urine bypassing the catheter (draining from the urethra or around the catheter itself) or retention of urine in the bladder.

    Blockage may lead to immediate problems such as autonomic dysreflexia which needs to be managed quickly, or more long term problems such as urinary retention.

    Why blockage occurs

    A blockage may have a simple cause. These include constipation, kinked tubing, tight clothing, incorrect placement of the drainage bag, a full drainage bag, or blocking of the catheter by mucous from the bladder wall.

    catheter blockage
    Catheter blockage

    Around 50% of people with IDC or SPC catheters will experience blockages due to encrustation. Encrustation is caused by bacteria that produce an enzyme called urease. Urease makes the urine less acidic and more alkaline. Alkaline urine is the ideal environment for crystal formation and these crystals can stick to the inside of the catheter. As the bacteria multiply, more crystals may form which may impair or even stop the flow of urine out of the catheter.

    If you want to know more see: Urinary catheter blockage

    Management options

    If your catheter becomes blocked, change the catheter. If this is not possible you will need to perform a bladder washout. This practice is not recommended routinely but may be necessary in the event of autonomic dysreflexia caused by bladder distension.

    If your catheter blocks at a regular interval, such as every 4 weeks, you should change your catheter routinely before it blocks, such as every 3 weeks.

    Sometimes you may need a good washout of your bladder to help clear any debris. This is done in hospital. Speak to the spinal urology nurse if you are having regular blockages.

    False passage
    Bladder washout

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    Quick links

    • Bladder types
    • Starting with catheters
    • Problems
    • Life hacks
    • Inside the bladder
    • Equipment

    About this resource

    This web resource is part of a research project to improve bladder management at the Austin, by increasing the use of intermittent catheterisation.

    The research project is funded by TAC.

    Submit your feedback

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    This research project is brought to you by

    Austin Health
    TAC
    ISCRR
    WorkSafe

    Contacts

    Austin Health
    03 9496 5000
    Victorian Spinal Cord Service
    03 9496 5220
    Spinal Urology Nurse
    03 9496 5904
    spinalurologynurse@austin.org.au
    VSCS outpatient Nurse
    03 9496 5176
    vscsoutpatients@austin.org.au

    Disclaimer

    This information has been developed for Austin Health use and has been specifically designed for Austin Health. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals. The authors have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. Austin Health accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed on this website. Written information should only be used in conjunction with advice from the health professional who is looking after you.

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