What is an Indwelling Urethral Catheter (IUC)?
A urinary catheter is inserted into the urethra and advanced into the bladder allowing for the continuous, passive drainage of urine from the bladder.
What are the indications for IUC?
- Severe urine retention and obstruction of urine outflow (e.g., prostate enlargement)
- Comfort measures for patients who are terminally ill
- Non-healing sacral, buttock, or perineal pressure injuries (stage III or IV)
- Perioperative use:
- Prolonged surgery
- Surgeries on organs of the genitourinary tract
- Operative patients with urinary incontinence
- Hemodynamic monitoring during surgery
- Continuous bladder irrigation for prevention of urethral obstruction from blood clots after genitourinary surgery
- Measurement of urinary output in critically ill patients
- Urodynamic testing
- Imaging studies of the lower urinary tract
Inappropriate Use of IUC:
- Urinary incontinence
- Incontinence-associated dermatitis
- Obtaining a urine culture for diagnostic tests when the patient can void
- Prolonged use after surgery
- Staff/caregiver convenience
Contraindications for IUC:
- Undiagnosed hematuria
- Priaprism
- Urethral trauma
- Known/suspected untreated cancer of the bladder
For more information, see related articles and resources here:
- Video & Slides: Troubleshooting Issues with Catheters Webinar
- Urological Insights Newsletter – Volume 2
- CAUTI Infographic: Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection
- 10 Steps to Self-Catheterization
- Preventing Catheter Associated UTIs (CAUTI) Webinar Video/Slides
- Male External Catheters and Skin Health
Shield HealthCare | Stronger with Shield
