Urethral catheterization
1. What is urethral catheterization in children?
It means the insertion of a soft tipped plastic tube into the child’s urinary bladder via the urethra.
2. When the children need urethral catheterization?
1. to collect urine sample for bacterial culture test for confirmation/ exclusion of urinary tract infection
2. to closely monitor the urine output (e.g. in the post-operative period, of when child has high risk of dehydration)
3. to improve the accuracy of imaging by ensuring adequate bladder drainage
4. to act as a physical stent after certain penile surgery
3. Is the urethral catheterization risky?
This is basically a very safe procedure if performed properly. There is minimal chance of causing urinary tract infection or minor urethral injury.
To prevent infection, antibiotics may be given before its insertion or while the urethral catheter is placed inside the urinary bladder.
4. Are there any other choices to urethral catheterization?
Strict urinary output monitoring (measuring the urine volume voided in each void, weighting the wet napkin), or peeing stent (a short plastic tube in the urethra without entering the bladder) can sometimes be used in place of the actual urethral catheter.
You may ask your doctor if these options are feasible in your child’s medical condition.