Urinary catheters are commonly used pieces of medical equipment, used for draining the bladder of urine. The urine passes directly from the bladder through the catheter tube and into a drainage bag.

There are many different reasons why a urinary catheter may be used, and it’s quite common for them to be inserted prior to surgery. This allows urine to drain from the bladder while the patient undergoes an operation and afterwards, while they stay in bed to recover.

But how long should catheters be left in after surgery? And what are the risks of leaving a catheter in for too long post-surgery? This guide will cover all you need to know about catheters after surgery.

How Long Should a Patient Have a Catheter? 

This will depend on a range of different factors, such as the kind of surgery the patient is having, the estimated length of the recovery period, the patient’s age and urinary health, and various other factors, as well.

In general, the average time length that catheters should be left in after surgery is between three and eight days. It is not recommended for catheters to be left in position any longer than eight days, as there are risks associated with leaving catheters in too long.

What Happens If a Catheter Is Left in Too Long? 

Catheters should not be left in for too long, as there are various risks associated with excessive long-term catheter usage. Some of the possible risks and complications include:

• Infections – One of the main risks of leaving a catheter in for too long is infections. Specifically, patients may be at a higher risk of urinary tract infections, or UTIs, if they have a catheter in for too long. Symptoms of a UTI can include pain, fever, cold sweats, shivers, and confusion.
• Tissue Damage – There’s also a risk of tissue damage occurring in and around the bladder or urethra if the catheter is in place for too long. The presence of a foreign object in the urethra, especially if the object moves around during usage, can lead to scratches and stricture along the delicate tissue of the urethra.
• Aches and Pains – Many patients report various aches and pains after having a catheter in for too long, as well. These aches and pains may be connected to other issues, like infections or tissue damage, and it can be quite uncomfortable for patients to deal with aches or burning pains around the groin area.
• Encrustation – Encrustation is another serious risk associated with long-term catheter use. As the catheter is left in place, it’s possible for organisms to begin growing on the catheter, forming a thin bio film. This can eventually cause a blockage of the catheter and lead to urine blocking up inside the patient’s body.

Can a Catheter Damage Your Bladder? 

Yes, it is possible that a catheter may cause damage to the bladder. In fact, bladder damage is one of the most commonly-reported problems associated with Foley catheter usage. It’s possible that the damage may occur in a range of ways. For example, improper insertion of the catheter could cause scratching or stricture of the bladder.

It’s also possible that a catheter which is left in position for too long may trigger urinary infections which affect the bladder, potentially causing a range of symptoms like aches and pains. For this reason, it’s important for catheters to always be inserted carefully and not left in place for too long.

What Are the Side Effects of Having a Catheter? 

Having a catheter inserted can make it much easier for a person to empty their bladder, but there are risks of various side effects and symptoms associated with the presence of a foreign object inside the body. Some of the most commonly reported side effects of having a catheter include:

• Bladder spasms and discomfort 
• Stomach cramps 
• Blood or debris in the catheter tube 
• Pain around the groin region 
• Injuries to the urethra 
• Injuries to the bladder 
• Bladder stones 
• Leakage around the catheter 
• Urinary infections 
• Allergic reactions to latex Kidney damage 

How Long Does It Take for Your Bladder to Return to Normal After Catheter Removal? 

This will depend on a few different factors, like the age and health of the patient, as well as how long the catheter was used for and how well it was placed. A lot of patients are able to urinate normally within 48 hours of the catheter being removed, and around 1/3 of patients will return to regular bladder function within about a day. 

For the other 2/3 of patients, it’s possible that it can take a few days for them to fully recover and return to normal. It may take quite a while to return to normal if the catheter has been left in position for a long time (around one week), or if the patient has recently suffered a urinary tract infection.

What Are the After Effects of Having a Catheter Removed?

It’s important for patients to be informed of the possible risks and symptoms they may experience after a catheter removal, as it’s quite common for patients to notice at least some pain or other difficulties in the hours and days after removal. Some of the most common side effects and complications include:

• Pain – A lot of people feel a little pain, which may be burning or stinging in nature, as the catheter is removed and in the hours after removal. This pain may be particularly noticeable when urinating.
• Urination Problems – It may also be quite hard for a patient to urinate normally at first after a catheter has been removed. They may notice a small amount of blood in the urine at first, but this should quickly fade.
• Swelling – There may also be a risk of swelling after a catheter removal. The stomach may start to swell, and this can be a serious sign, so should be reported to a doctor as soon as possible.