What is a Foley Catheter?
A Foley catheter is a tubular device that allows for urine to drain from the bladder to the external environment. The Foley catheter consists of a urine drainage port, balloon inflation port, a retention balloon, and small holes at the tip of the catheter.
How does the Foley Catheter Work?
The Foley catheter is typically inserted through the urethra or into the bladder. The retention balloon is inflated after the catheter is inserted all the way into the bladder, ensuring that the Foley catheter does not slip out of position. The “eye” or opening of the Foley catheter allows urine to drain from the bladder, through the drainage tube, and into the urine drainage bag.
Preparation for: Removing your own Foley Catheter
Ask permission from your physician to remove the Foley catheter yourself.
Be sure to gather paper towels or other absorbing materials.
Traditionally, when removing your Foley catheter, your health care provider will use a syringe to drain the retention balloon and remove the Foley catheter. However, when removing the Foley catheter yourself, water from the retention balloon will spill out. Be sure to be seated to prevent physical accidents such as slipping or falling. Sitting in a bathtub or shower may be preferable.
A pair of scissors, a Q-tip, or a paperclip will be required to drain the retention balloon.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Locate the Balloon Port
The balloon port is usually identifiable by the colored tip and a numeric value followed by the French unit “Fr."
2a. Cut the Balloon Port (above the colored valve)
With the pair of scissors, cut the portion of the drainage tube immediately above the colored valve
At this point, you will see water drain from the catheter. This is water and not urine.
Wait until the fluid ceases to drain.
2b. Alternative Technique (Paper Clip / Q Tip Method)
The alternative is to use a paper clip or cut tip of a Q-tip to push the rubber port inside the colored valve.
Be sure to push on the rubber port repeatedly to ensure all the fluid is drained before proceeding.
After Draining the Water
Slowly withdraw the Foley catheter. If this is uncomfortable, try gently coughing while mentally counting the number of coughs as you withdraw the Foley catheter.
Troubleshooting
If the Foley catheter cannot be removed, please consult a urologist immediately.