Bladder Wash at Home: What Families Should Know

Overview

Supplies for a bladder wash procedure include a 60 cc catheter-tipped syringe, a container for liquid, saline and a catheter plug. Bladder wash procedure begins with pouring saline into the container with washed hands. About 50 cc of saline is to be poured into the syringe. This amount may vary for each person. Attach the syringe to the catheter and gently push the saline into the bladder without applying much force. One filled with fluid, remove the saline by pulling back on the syringe gently. Ensure to not pull back a volume higher than what was pushed in. If the saline is mucous filled, continue to irrigate the bladder until most of the mucous is cleared out. Allow the bladder to drain out into the toilet. Once done, the syringe can be removed. If one experiences any pain during the bladder wash procedure, bladder irrigation should be stopped immediately. This bladder wash procedure is recommended for only patients who have a urinary diversion and need bladder irrigation.

Once comfortable after learning self-irrigation, one could be discharged and continue the bladder wash procedure at home. A set of instructions and a schedule for doing the bladder irrigation will be given on discharge. Patients who have undergone bladder surgery should do bladder irrigation at least once daily for the rest of their lives. Practicing good genital hygiene should be given special care in such scenarios.

Possible problems that can occur being unable to irrigate through the catheter. In such a scenario make sure to not force it. Instead change the catheter and try again. If one experiences their urine to be cloudy, smelly, stinging, burning or bloody, it could be a sign of infection and should immediately be shown to a doctor or a nurse. In instances of being unable to carry out this procedure by oneself or in case of failure to manage complications associated with a bladder irrigation procedure, external assistance of a trained personnel is helpful.

Important before you read further

Bladder irrigation is a clinical procedure for specific patients, such as those with a urinary diversion or after certain bladder surgeries. It should only be done at home when a urologist or trained nurse has taught the exact method, volume and schedule for that patient. The description above is general and is not a substitute for that training. Never start irrigation on a person with a regular catheter because of cloudy urine or leakage.

What to do next

• Follow the written plan from the hospital for what to use, how much and how often.
• Wash hands and keep supplies clean every time.
• Stop and call the nurse or doctor if there is pain, fever, blood or clots, no drainage, or if the fluid will not go in.
• Never force the syringe.
• Keep the skin clean and dry; see incontinence-associated dermatitis.
• Keep a log of dates, volumes and what you see.

Catheter care in general

For daily catheter care, see catheter care basics for families and when to see a doctor about bladder or bowel changes.

When to ask a professional

This is a nurse- or doctor-led procedure. Our care advisors can arrange a trained home nurse to carry out or supervise it, and to teach the family.

About our care services

Emoha Elder Care offers comprehensive elder care services comprising home nursing services and home care nursing services, covering every element required for continuous care at home. Emoha Care Angels (nurses) and Care Partners (attendants) are trained to help the elderly live their golden years in ease.