Indwelling urinary catheter (IDC) factsheet
Introduction
An indwelling urinary catheter (IDC) is a thin, flexible tube used to drain urine, or wee, from your child’s bladder.
It is inserted through the urethra, the hole where urine comes out. The tube goes up into the bladder, the organ that holds urine.
Your child may have an IDC:
- to manage urinary retention – when the bladder is holding onto too much urine
- during surgery or procedures where they cannot use the toilet
- to keep urine away from a wound after surgery.
About this equipment
Inserting an IDC can feel uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.
The general steps to insert an IDC are:
- the area around the urethra is cleaned
- the tube is covered with lubricant, a slippery gel
- if the catheter is going into a penis, a gel with anaesthetic is applied to reduce pain
- the tube is slowly pushed into the urethra and the bladder.
The IDC is in place when urine starts to drain out of the tube.
Some IDCs have a small balloon at the end, filled with water once inside the bladder, to keep it in place.
The outside tubing is connected to a urine bag taped to the groin, belly, or upper thigh.
Babies or children in nappies may not need a urine bag as urine can drain into the nappy.
Care of the device
Good hygiene helps prevent infection while your child has an IDC.
This includes:
- washing your hands with soap before and after touching the IDC
- cleaning around the urethra with warm, soapy water
- choosing showers instead of baths, if your child can move around
Ask your nurse about any items you may need to help with washing.
Check the IDC regularly to make sure it is draining well. Make sure to:
- keep the tubing below the bladder
- watch the tubing when your child is moving or walking
- check for any kinks or blockages.
If the tube is kinked, blocked, or the balloon deflates, urine may leak or stop draining.
Tell your child’s nurse straight away if the IDC is not working properly.
When to seek help
IDCs can increase the risk of infection, as germs can get into the body through the tube.
Signs of infection include:
- a fever over 38.5°C
- redness, swelling, or discharge around the urethra
- changes in urine colour, smell, or thickness
- sudden pain
- bleeding.
Tell your child’s nurse straight away if you notice any of these signs.
Management
Removing the IDC
IDCs are usually removed 24–48 hours after being inserted. The longer it stays in, the higher the risk of infection.
Your child’s treatment team will discuss options if the IDC needs to stay in longer.
To remove the IDC:
- a nurse cleans the area and removes the tape
- the balloon is deflated
- the tube is gently pulled out.
It should come out easily. If not, a doctor will need to check.
After removal, your child should be able to wee on their own within 8–10 hours.
If not, another IDC may be needed.
Double nappies
If your child wears nappies, they may need double nappies while using an IDC.
- the first, inner nappy collects poo
- the second, outer nappy holds the end of the IDC so urine can drain out.
Doing this helps to keep urine away from surgical wounds while they heal.
Check the first inner nappy regularly for poo.
If it needs changing, remove it and wash the area around the urethra with warm, soapy water before putting on a clean nappy.
