Bladder survey - the technical
In men, the longer length of the urethra and the presence of the prostate force the use of certain probes and maneuvers:
- Washing the glans and foreskin with soap and water and disinfection, using sterile gloves
- Unclasping the glans and holding it between the phalanges and the first two fingers
- The urethra can be anesthetized and lubricated by inserting sterile lidocaine gel inside it
- Insert the probe into the urethra, gently, until it passes Guerin's valve, then slowly push it until it reaches the bladder, after which the balloon can be filled with distilled water. The volume of water with which the balloon is inflated is, as a rule, written on the probe. The presence of the tip of the probe in the bladder is objectified by the appearance of drops of urine at the outer end. During all this time, the penis is gently pulled towards the zenith. If the probe does not progress easily, withdraw 2-3 cm and push again with fine movements.
- In case of failure, another appropriate probe will be chosen, Tieman or probes with crutches (elderly men with prostate adenoma)
- Emptying the bladder is done slowly by pinching the probe for 1-2 minutes, after the evacuation of 150-200 ml of urine, thus avoiding the occurrence of ex-vacuo hemorrhage.
- Afterwards, the collection bag or sterile vessels are attached.
In women, the shorter urethra (5-7 cm) and the absence of the prostate make the bladder survey not difficult to perform:
- All asepsis and antisepsis rules are respected
- The labia are opened, the vulva is disinfected and the lubricated probe is inserted
- When the probe has penetrated the urine bladder, the urine comes out
- Then fill the flask with distilled water, according to the prescribed volume.
- Intermittent survey can be performed in cooperative patients who urinate through overflow.