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BackTable / Urology / Article
Foley Catheter Overview
Bryant Schmitz • Updated Apr 8, 2025 • 37 hits
A Foley catheter is a flexible tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine into a collection bag. They are used in patients who cannot urinate on their own, making it a critical tool in modern medical practice. Invented by Dr. Frederic Foley in the 1930s, this indwelling catheter has since become a staple in hospitals and clinics worldwide. This article will provide an in-depth overview of Foley catheters, including their types, sizes, uses, insertion procedures, care, and potential complications.
Table of Contents
(1) What is a Foley Catheter?
(2) Types of Foley Catheters
(3) Foley Catheter Sizes
(4) Foley Catheter Indications & Uses
(5) Foley Catheter Insertion
(6) Foley Catheter Care
(7) Potential Complications and Management
(8) Conclusion
What is a Foley Catheter?
A foley catheter is a soft, pliable tube designed to be inserted into the bladder, allowing urine to flow into a collection bag. It utilizes a balloon at the tip that, once inflated, holds the catheter in place. Foley catheters can have two or three lumens: one for urine drainage, one for inflating the balloon, and an optional third lumen for bladder irrigation or medication administration.
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Types of Foley Catheters
Foley catheters come in various types and materials to suit different medical needs:
• Standard Latex Foley Catheters: Flexible and cost-effective but may cause allergic reactions in some patients.
• Silicone Foley Catheters: Ideal for long-term use and patients with latex allergies.
• Two-way Foley Catheters: The most common type, featuring a drainage lumen and a balloon inflation lumen.
• Three-way Foley Catheters: Used for continuous bladder irrigation, commonly post-surgery, with an additional lumen for irrigation fluid.
• Coude Foley Catheter: Designed with a slightly curved tip to navigate around obstructions like an enlarged prostate. It is particularly useful in male patients with urinary tract obstructions.
Foley Catheter Sizes
Foley catheter sizes are measured in French units (Fr), where each unit equals 0.33 millimeters in diameter. Choosing the correct size is important for patient comfort and effective drainage. The appropriate size depends on the patient's age, gender, and medical condition:
• Adults: The most common sizes are 14-18 Fr.
• Pediatrics: Sizes range from 6-10 Fr.
Read our Foley catheter size guide for more detailed information on foley catheter sizes:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/tools/foley-catheter-size-guide
Foley Catheter Indications & Uses
Foley catheters are indispensable in both acute and chronic medical management. They are indicated in various medical scenarios, including:
• Urinary Retention: In conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or neurogenic bladder.
• Surgery: To monitor urine output during and after major surgeries.
• Severe Illness: For bedridden patients or those in intensive care to prevent skin breakdown and manage incontinence.
• Diagnostic Procedures: To collect sterile urine samples or measure residual urine volume.
Foley Catheter Insertion
Inserting a Foley catheter is a delicate procedure requiring sterile technique to prevent infections. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Preparation: Gather all necessary equipment and explain the procedure to the patient.
2. Positioning: Place the patient in the supine position with legs spread apart.
3. Sterile Field: Use sterile gloves and drape to maintain a sterile field.
4. Lubrication: Lubricate the catheter tip to ease insertion.
5. Insertion: Gently insert the catheter into the urethra until urine flows. Continue advancing another inch to ensure proper placement.
6. Balloon Inflation: Inflate the balloon with sterile water to secure the catheter.
7. Securing: Secure the catheter to the patient's thigh to prevent movement and discomfort.
For a more detailed insertion procedure, read our article on male catheter insertion:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/articles/insert-catheter-male-patient
For a more detailed insertion procedure, read our article on female catheter insertion:
https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/articles/insert-catheter-female-patient
Foley Catheter Care
Proper care of a Foley catheter is essential to prevent infections and complications:
• Daily Hygiene: Clean the catheter and the area around the insertion site daily with soap and water.
• Drainage Bag Management: Keep the drainage bag below bladder level to prevent backflow. Empty the bag when it's half full to avoid tension on the catheter. To learn how to properly flush a foley catheter, read our article: https://www.backtable.com/shows/urology/articles/how-to-flush-a-foley-catheter
• Monitoring: Regularly check for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or foul-smelling urine.
Potential Complications and Management
Despite their benefits, Foley catheters can cause complications, including:
Infections: Prevent by maintaining strict hygiene and using sterile techniques.
Blockages: Flush the catheter as needed and monitor for signs of obstruction.
Dislodgement: Secure the catheter properly and educate the patient on avoiding tension or pulling.
Conclusion
Foley catheters play a vital role in managing urinary drainage in various medical conditions. Understanding their types, sizes, uses, insertion procedures, and ongoing care is essential for healthcare providers to ensure patient safety and comfort. Proper foley catheter management can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.
Podcast Contributors
Dr. Anne Cameron
Dr. Anne Cameron is a urologist and assistant professor with University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor.
Dr. Suzette Sutherland
Dr. Suzette Sutherland is the director of female urology with UW Medicine in Seattle, Washington.
Cite This Podcast
BackTable, LLC (Producer). (2023, December 27). Ep. 144 – Recurrent UTIs: Controlling Those Nasty Little Bladder Infections [Audio podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.backtable.com
Disclaimer: The Materials available on BackTable.com are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.
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