Why You Get a Catheter

A urinary catheter is a thin, flexible tube we pass into your bladder to drain urine. During long surgeries, you receive fluids through an IV and anesthesia relaxes your bladder muscles. This tube ensures your bladder stays empty, preventing it from overfilling while you are unable to move or control your bodily functions.

We use the catheter to measure exactly how much urine your kidneys produce each hour. This data tells us how well your organs are responding to anesthesia and blood loss during an operation. It provides an immediate look at your hydration levels and overall stability.

If you are having surgery on your lower abdomen, pelvic area, or spine, we must keep the area sterile and dry. A catheter prevents urine from leaking onto your incisions or dressings. This reduces the risk of post-operative infections and keeps you comfortable during the initial recovery phase.

We typically insert the tube after you are under anesthesia, so you will not feel it happen. You might feel mild pressure or an urge to urinate once you wake up, but it should not be painful. We aim to remove the catheter as soon as you are stable and able to walk to the bathroom on your own.