What is a Catheter Valve?
A catheter valve is a tap-like device, which fits into the end of your catheter (urethral or suprapubic). This can then be attached to a urinary drainage bag so that the valve lies between the end of the catheter and the drainage bag. The tap may be switched on or off to drain urine from the bladder or to stop drainage.
The majority of patients who have a long-term catheter now use catheter valves. It is generally felt that the bladder should not be kept empty at all times, as it has been shown that this reduces bladder capacity and tone.
The aims of using a catheter valve are:
- To get your bladder used to holding a volume of urine again.
- To improve the capacity of your bladder.
- To get your bladder to hold between 300-500mls of urine.
- To have the catheter valve closed off all day, and for you to drain your bladder 4-5 times per day by opening the valve for a couple of minutes (or until drainage stops).
Due to the risk of urine leakage, and the risk of autonomic dysreflexia, it is suggested that you follow the regime below. You may need to discuss with your Consultant whether you need to take medication (such as Detrusitol, Detrunorm or Oxybutynin) to reduce the incidence of urinary leakage.
Overnight you can leave the catheter on free drainage. If you get leakage of urine at any stage, drop back down a stage, and build the time back up again.
Open the catheter valve before bowel care, as this will minimise leakage around your catheter (bypassing).
Remember that the aim is to get your bladder to hold between 300-500mls of urine. If you are drinking at least 3 litres per day, you should not need to increase the time the valve is turned off. If, however, you are not drinking enough, it may be necessary to continue to increase the time the valve is closed off.
You should not consider using a catheter valve if you tend to become easily or severely dysreflexic and you live alone.
Changing the Catheter Valve
You should change the catheter valve every 5 – 7 days, preferably at the same time that you replace your leg bag. Wash your hands first and then empty your bladder by opening the tap. When urinary drainage has finished you may remove the valve and replace it with a new one.
Living with a Catheter Valve
- You may bathe or shower as usual
- You should drink at least 3 litres per day if you have an indwelling catheter (urethral or suprapubic).
- You may choose to use a catheter valve without a urinary drainage bag, by regularly opening the valve over a toilet/jug or similar receptacle to drain the bladder. A leg strap can be used to support the catheter tubing and catheter valve
- Catheter valves, leg straps and urinary drainage bags are available on prescription.
- Dispose of catheter valves in your rubbish. Do not burn the valves.
Πηγή: spinalinjurycentre.org.uk