Hematuria Following Catheter Removal – Tips To Manage and Recover

The use of catheters for both short- and long-term therapy depends on the demands of the patient. They can be used at home for some illnesses, but they are also used in hospitals and other medical settings. When it comes to treating some medical disorders, using a catheter can be quite helpful. But there are risks associated with it too, like any invasive procedure such as infection or hematuria. This blog post explains how to handle hematuria following catheter removal and what to anticipate.

What is a Catheter?

A catheter is a small, flexible tube that is put into the body to aid in fluid outflow. It can also be used to provide other therapies or medications. Catheters come in many forms that can be introduced into various body parts and are intended for particular purposes. Urinary catheters, for instance, are placed inside the bladder to aid in the outflow of urine. To gain access to the bloodstream, central venous catheters are placed into a vein in the chest. 

What Causes Hematuria Following Catheter Removal?

There are multiple potential factors that can lead to the presence of blood in the urine following the removal of a catheter, which may include:

• Trauma to the urethra caused by the catheter that irritates or injures the urethra.
• Inflammation or infection in the urinary tract.
• Presence of stones in the kidney or bladder.
• Cancer or enlarged prostate gland.
• Side effects of certain medications.

Symptoms of Hematuria Following Catheter Removal

The presence of crimson, pink, or brown pee is the main sign that there is blood in the urine. Sometimes the blood is invisible to the unaided eye and can only be detected by a urine test. Other symptoms that could be present in addition to blood in the urine after the catheter is removed include:

• Pain or uneasiness while urinating.
• A frequent need to urinate.
• Urine that appears cloudy or has a strong odor.
• Discomfort on the side or lower back.
• Weakness or exhaustion.
• Vomiting or feeling nausea.
• Not being able to urinate.

What Increases the Likelihood of Hematuria Following Catheter Removal?

Following catheter removal, there are a number of possible risk factors for the development of blood in the urine (hematuria), including:

• Extended catheterization period – The chance of getting hematuria after removing a catheter increases with its length of use.
• Infection – An infection in the urinary tract can result in bleeding and inflammation of the urinary system.
• Trauma to the urethra – The urethra may be injured during the implantation and removal of a catheter, which may result in bleeding.
• Medications – Certain drugs, such as blood thinners, can make bleeding more likely.
• Cancer –  Hematuria may be due to the presence of bladder or urethral cancer.
• Other medical conditions – Hematuria can be brought on by a number of illnesses, including kidney stones.

Complications Associated With Hematuria Following Catheter Removal

The presence of blood in the urine after removing a catheter may indicate a serious underlying illness that may cause further complications if not properly treated. The following are some potential complications of blood in the urine.

• Anemia.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Kidney failure.
• Damage of tissues.
• Urinary bladder cancer.
• Prostate cancer.

Tips to Prevent Hematuria Following Catheter Removal

After removing the catheter, there are a few things that can be done to avoid blood in the urine. These include:

• Reduction of catheterization duration – The longer a catheter is in place, the higher the chance that it will cause blood in urine after it is removed. It is imperative to limit the duration of catheter use to that which is medically required.
• Employ the right method – A sterile approach should be used when inserting and withdrawing a catheter. By doing this, the chance of infection and urethral damage will be reduced.
• Look for infection symptoms – Urinary tract bleeding and inflammation can result from a urinary tract infection. It is critical to keep an eye out for UTI symptoms, such as a persistent need to urinate, aches or discomforts during the urination process, and murky or offensive-smelling pee.
• Observe post-catheter care instructions – It is critical to adhere to the medical professional’s post-catheter care recommendations. This includes keeping yourself clean, drinking lots of water, and avoiding physically demanding activities that can strain your bladder.
• Be mindful of other medical conditions – People who suffer from illnesses like kidney stones or bladder cancer, which raise the risk of hematuria, should be particularly watchful for signs of bleeding and should get medical assistance if they do.

Available Treatment Options For Hematuria Following Catheter Removal

The underlying cause of the bleeding may affect the course of treatment for blood in the urine following catheter removal. Among the possible course of treatment are:

• Medications – Symptoms can be effectively managed and inflammation can be reduced through the use of prescribed medications, such as analgesics for pain relief, antibiotics for infections, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
• Surgery – In certain instances, surgical intervention may be required to address the root cause of hematuria, such as the removal of a bladder or kidney stone, or the excision of a tumor.
• Hydration – Drinking an ample amount of water can aid in the elimination of toxins from the urinary tract, thereby diminishing the likelihood of infection.
• Observation – If the bleeding is not severe and does not occur alongside any other symptoms, it might be suitable to monitor the person for a certain duration to determine if the bleeding resolves spontaneously.
• Follow-up testing – To identify the root cause of the bleeding and provide appropriate treatment, further examinations like urine tests, imaging scans, or a cystoscopy may be conducted.

Know More:- How to Urinate After Catheter Removal

Conclusion

Depending on the patient and the reason for the catheterization, there may or may not be blood in the urine when it is removed. The blood should usually go away in a few days to a week. But, you need to see a doctor for additional assessment if the hematuria doesn’t go away or if you have discomfort or trouble urinating.