Healing after a crash injures the bladder or urethra
A urologist and a continence nurse on drainage tubes, testing and how things work later
A broken pelvis or a hard crash can injure the bladder. It can also hurt the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Treatment may mean a repair or a catheter, a tube that drains urine while the tissue heals. Some people have a tube placed through the lower belly. A urologist decides when the injury has healed enough for the tube to come out. A continence nurse teaches you how to care for it safely each day. [1, 2]
Know your injury and how your urine drains
Ask whether the bladder, the urethra or both were hurt. Find out if your catheter runs through the urethra or through the lower belly, known as a suprapubic catheter. Ask whether it must stay in until a scan or clinic visit. Check if a contrast study, an imaging test that uses dye, is planned before removal. Do not let a clinician who is new to your care remove or replace the tube before checking the urology plan. [1, 2]
Keep the catheter draining safely
Have a nurse show you how to secure the tube and empty the bag. Learn how to keep the drainage system clean. Ask how to avoid pulling on the tube while you sleep or move from bed to chair. Find out how much urine to expect and what color it should be. [2, 3]
Call right away if the bag stops filling, the tube comes out or you see large clots. Call too if you get a fever and pain. A blocked catheter needs quick attention. [2, 3]
Watch how things work once the tube is out
After the tube is removed, tell your team about trouble starting to urinate, a weak stream or leaking. Report pain or blood that won’t go away, too. Scar tissue or other effects may only show up later. Ask whether you need follow up for your pelvic floor, sexual function or bladder control. These problems are part of recovery. There is no reason to feel embarrassed raising them. [1]
Questions to ask your urologist
- What was hurt, and what was repaired?
- When and how will you decide to take out the catheter?
- Who do I call if the tube stops draining or falls out?
Carry a catheter card
Sources and further reading
General education from the fields of urology and continence nursing. Where the tear is decides the treatment. Don’t take out or replace a catheter unless your treating team has told you to.
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