Medicine

Patient information for Translation

Guide to using a Urinary Catheter Valve

What is a catheter valve?

A catheter valve is a tap-like device that is connected directly to the end of a urinary catheter (urethral or suprapubic). This can be attached to a urinary drainage bag, so that the valve lies between the end of the catheter and the drainage bag. The tap may be switched on or off to drain urine from the bladder, or to stop drainage.

Why use a catheter valve?

· To help maintain bladder function, tone and good capacity

· It can be more discreet than leg bags

· Maintaining the bladder function of storage is useful if your catheter might be removed in the future.

When to open your catheter valve

· Your nurse should first show you how to open your catheter valve and discuss with you how frequently to empty your bladder

· Open your valve when you feel the sensation to pass urine

· Try not to store more than 400-450mls in your bladder.

Changing your catheter valve

· You should change your valve every five to seven days

· Always wash your hands before and after changing your catheter valve

· If changed by a relative or other carer, they should wash their hands, put on non-sterile gloves, remove the old valve and replace it with the new sterile valve from the packet, without touching the end attaching to the catheter

· Do not touch the end connecting to the catheter

· If a drainage bag is required for some part of the day or night, it can be attached to the end of the catheter valve by pushing the bag’s connector into the outlet of the valve

· Then open the valve to allow urine to drain into the bag. The bag should be either secured onto the leg if it is a leg bag, or put onto a catheter stand if it is a night bag

· Discard the old valve in your rubbish bin.

How to wear your catheter valve

Your valve may be tucked into your underwear, or supported with a catheter leg strap or retainer strap.

Storage of unopened catheter valves

· Store them in a clean, cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight

· Do not use if packaging has been damaged

· Your nurse will arrange home delivery of your catheter valve if required.

Daily hygiene

· Wash the area where the catheter enters your body every day

· If your catheter enters your urethra, use mild soap and water

· If you have a suprapubic catheter, use cooled boiled water

· You may still have a bath or shower when using a catheter valve.

Fluids and bowels

· Aim to drink 1.5 to 2 litres of fluid a day (unless you have been advised otherwise by a healthcare professional)

· Try to avoid constipation – make sure that you include plenty of fruit and vegetables in your diet.

Call for help if

· You are in pain

· Your catheter is not draining

· You think your catheter is blocked

· Urine continues to leak around your catheter

· You see blood in your urine

· Your urine smells and it appears cloudy – you may have an infection.

Who to contact for help

Your GP, district nurse or local continence nurse.

Contact us:

The Royal London Hospital

020 3594 2684

Whipps Cross University Hospital

020 8539 5522 ext 5509

Newham University Hospital

020 7476 4000 bleep 274

Tower Hamlets Community Continence Service

(Mile End Hospital)

020 7771 5795

Large print and other languages
This information can be made available in alternative formats, such as easy read or large print, and may be available in alternative languages, upon request. For more information, speak to your clinical team.
 

এই তথ্যগুলো সহজে পড়া যায় অথবা বৃহৎ প্রিন্টের মত বিকল্প ফরম্যাটে পাওয়া যাবে, এবং অনুরোধে অন্য ভাষায়ও পাওয়া যেতে পারে। আরো তথ্যের জন্য আপনার ক্লিনিক্যাল টিমের সাথে কথা বলুন।

Na żądanie te informacje mogą zostać udostępnione w innych formatach, takich jak zapis większą czcionką lub łatwą do czytania, a także w innych językach. Aby uzyskać więcej informacji, porozmawiaj ze swoim zespołem specjalistów.

Macluumaadkaan waxaa loo heli karaa qaab kale, sida ugu akhrinta ugu fudud, ama far waa weyn, waxana laga yabaa in lagu heli luuqaado Kale, haddii la codsado. Wixii macluumaad dheeraad ah, kala hadal kooxda xarunta caafimaadka.

Bu bilgi, kolay okunurluk veya büyük baskılar gibi alternatif biçimlerde sunulabilir, ve talep üzerine Alternatif Dillerde sunulabilir. Daha fazla bilgi için klinik ekibinizle irtibata geçin.

یہ معلومات متبادل فارمیٹس میں دستیاب کی جا سکتی ہیں، جیسا کہ پڑھنے میں آسان یا بڑا پرنٹ  اور درخواست پر متبادل زبانوں میں بھی دستیاب ہو سکتی ہیں۔ مزید معلومات کے لیے، اپنی کلینکل ٹیم سے بات کریں'۔

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please contact us if you need general information or advice about Trust services: www.bartshealth.nhs.uk/pals

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Reference: BH/PIN/375

Publication date: Feb 2019

All our patient information leaflets are reviewed every three years.

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