Do you get a Catheter During Outpatient Surgery?
Outpatient surgery is a procedure in which a patient undergoes a surgery but does not stay overnight in the hospital. This type of surgery is meant to save time and money as it does not require an overnight stay. But due to the short and relatively minor nature of outpatient surgery, certain procedures — such as the insertion of a catheter — are not always done.
What is a Catheter?
A catheter is a thin tube that is passed through the patient’s body so that fluids, such as urine, can be released without having to urinate. The catheter is often used to drain urine from the bladder and can also be used to administer medication.
Will I Get a Catheter During Outpatient Surgery?
Whether or not a patient gets a catheter during outpatient surgery depends on the type of surgery and the health of the patient. If the surgery is a minor one, such as a biopsy, a catheter may not be necessary. But if the surgery is invasive and the patient’s health is compromised, a catheter may be required.
For example, a patient undergoing a laparoscopic cholecystectomy — an outpatient procedure that removes the gallbladder through an incision in the abdomen — may receive a catheter to help manage pain, reduce the risk of infection, and make it easier to remove fluids from the abdominal cavity.
When Would I Need to Use a Catheter During Outpatient Surgery?
- If you are unable to urinate without assistance.
- If you are receiving fluids, such as medications or anesthesia, through a catheter.
- If you have an infection and need to be monitored closely.
- If you have a surgical procedure that requires a long-term recovery period.
- If you are at risk of developing blood clots and need to be closely monitored.
How Long Do I Have to Keep the Catheter in?
The length of time that a catheter needs to be kept in depends on the nature of your surgery, your overall health, and your recovery. Generally, a catheter is kept in for no more than a week. However, in some cases, such as when there are complications or the patient is at risk of infection, a catheter may need to be kept in for up to a month.
Conclusion
Whether or not you get a catheter during outpatient surgery depends on the type of surgery you are having and your overall health. In general, a catheter is used to reduce the risk of infection, provide medication, and monitor a patient’s health during recovery. The length of time a catheter needs to stay in will vary, depending on the surgery and the health of the patient.
