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External Catheter Collection Systems

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Clinical Application of Urologic Catheters, Devices and Products

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Abstract

External catheter collection systems are condom-type sheaths or receptacles that are externally applied over the penile shaft and connected to some type of drainage bag. They have been developed to meet the specific needs of patients, primarily male patients with urinary incontinence. The most popular are disposable male external catheters. Most are only in place for 24 h. They are reported to be the most comfortable, less painful, and less restrictive when compared to other urologic catheters. As with other urinary catheters, changes in design and material have been evolving. This chapter provides a detailed review of these devices.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA

    Diane K. Newman & Alan J. Wein

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Correspondence to Diane K. Newman .

How to Use a Male External Catheter Patient Education Tool

How to Use a Male External Catheter Patient Education Tool

What Is an External Catheter?

An external catheter is used by a man to collect urine that leaks from the bladder (called “urinary incontinence ”). These catheters are also called “urisheath” or “condom” or “Texas” catheters . This catheter is used on the outside of the body, as it fits over the penis, and connects to a drainage bag.

Types of External Catheters

There are several types of catheters to choose from. They can be used once or reused many times.

  1. 1.

    The most common type has adhesive on the inside of the catheter as shown in this picture. It is rolled on, over the penis, and the adhesive allows it to stick to the skin of the penis. This catheter must be replaced every 1–2 days or sooner if it falls off.

  2. 2.

    Another type of disposable external catheter is called a male urinary pouch. This pouch has adhesive and a pouch that is attached to the drainage bag. The pouch can be used by men whose penis may have “retracted” (pulled in and shortened) or who cannot or will not be fitted by other external products.

  3. 3.

    A third type is shown in pictures below. The catheter is held against your body with cloth underwear, a belt or with straps. This type can be washed and reused.

Putting on a Disposable External Catheter

First, read the manufacturer’s information. To find the correct catheter size, measure the diameter or circumference of your penis with a fitting or sizing guide like the one shown here. It is worth trying different systems to find the one that best fits your needs.

  • Wash your hands. Then gather your equipment: correctly-sized catheter, leg drainage bag with extension tubing, straps, manicure scissors, soap, washcloth, towel, and protective ointment.

  • Trim the hair on the base of your penis or any other hair so it won’t stick to the adhesive tape on the inside of the catheter. Do not shave your hair, clip it.

  • Before each catheter change, wash, rinse, and dry your penis. To protect your skin from urine, you may want to coat your penis with protective skin barrier product and let it dry (it will feel sticky). This skin product will protect your skin from perspiration and urine. Moisture softens your skin and makes it more likely to tear or open when you remove the catheter,

  • Make sure the sheath is tightly rolled to the edge of the connector tip, balloon-like part seen in this picture. You can squeeze the catheter below the adhesive part to make it easier to apply.

  • Next, hold your penis and place the catheter on the tip of your penis. Gently stretch your penis as you unroll the catheter over the head of your penis and down your penis.

  • Leave about half an inch of space between the tip of your penis and the end of the sheath at the connector tip, so your penis does not rub against the end of the catheter.

  • If you are not circumcised, leave your foreskin in place and roll the catheter over your foreskin. Your foreskin may swell if it is not kept over the head of the penis. The catheter should be snug when rolling it on. If it is loose, the catheter may be too large. If you are unable to unroll the catheter down the penis, the catheter may be too small.

When the catheter is unrolled, gently press it against your penis so that it sticks. Put pressure on your penis for several minutes to be sure any wrinkles are sealed together and to get rid of air bubbles .

  • Connect one end of the tubing to the open connector tip on the catheter and the other end to the extension tube attached to the drainage bag.

  • If the extension tube is too long, cut it to the length you want.

  • Leg bags come with elastic straps so attach the drainage bag to your thigh as shown in this picture or to your lower leg. Do not use too large a leg bag that is too large, because it will put too much weight on the catheter, causing it to fall off.

  • You may need to clean the bag twice a day.

  • The catheter is only used once and is to be discarded once removed. It will be need to be changed daily.

Solving Problems with Your External Catheter

  • If the catheter doesn’t stick, make sure your penis is completely dry before putting on the catheter. Use only ointments and adhesives prescribed by your doctor or nurse.

  • Don’t wash with Betadine because this can irritate your skin.

  • If urine leaks around the catheter, squeeze the catheter to get a better seal or consider a smaller size. A too large catheter will cause urine to leak out between the catheter and your penis.

  • If the catheter is too snug or tight, it may cause the skin of the penis to break open. If it is too tight, you may need a larger size. If it is loose or there are a lot of wrinkles, the catheter may be too large. That is why it is important to find the correct size for you.

  • If the catheter sheath wrinkles, it may be too large and you will need to select a smaller size.

  • Check your penis daily or more frequently for swelling or unusual color. If it feels uncomfortable or doesn’t look normal, take off the catheter and call your doctor or nurse.

  • Call your nurse or doctor if you:

    • Feel pain or burning when you urinate;

    • Have the urge to urinate very frequently;

    • Smell an unpleasant odor from your urine; or

    • See blood or pus in your urine.

      © 2013 revs 2016 Diane K. Newman

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Newman, D.K., Wein, A.J. (2018). External Catheter Collection Systems. In: Clinical Application of Urologic Catheters, Devices and Products. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14821-2_3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14821-2_3

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