Catheter Use in Surgery: Comfort & Safety During Long Procedures

Urinary and vascular catheters are routine in prolonged surgeries (>3–4 hours) for patient safety and physiological monitoring.

Types & Purposes

• Indwelling urinary catheter (Foley): Continuous urine drainage → prevents bladder distension, monitors output (renal perfusion), reduces infection risk vs. intermittent catheterization.
• Arterial line: Beat‑to‑beat BP monitoring, frequent ABG sampling.
• Central venous catheter (CVC): Vasoactive drug infusion, CVP/ScvO₂ monitoring, large‑volume resuscitation, TPN.
• Peripheral IV(s): Maintenance fluids, antibiotics, analgesics.
• Epidural/spinal catheter: Post‑op analgesia (thoracic, abdominal, lower extremity).

Safety Protocols

• Sterile insertion (full barrier for CVC/arterial).
• Closed drainage systems; daily necessity review.
• CAUTI/CLABSI prevention bundles.
• Removal ASAP post‑op (urinary catheter often removed POD 0–1).

Catheter decisions are individualized by procedure, comorbidities, and anticipated length.