Determining whether an urgent care center can safely remove a catheter is a common question for patients seeking convenient healthcare. Many individuals require a short-term catheter, such as after surgery or for a temporary inability to urinate, and need it removed once their underlying issue is resolved. Urgent care clinics offer a practical option for routine medical procedures, providing an alternative to scheduling a follow-up appointment with a specialist or visiting a hospital. This convenience is preferred for standard, uncomplicated medical maintenance.
The Scope of Urgent Care Services for Catheter Removal
Urgent care facilities are well-equipped to handle the removal of a standard indwelling urinary catheter, commonly known as a Foley catheter. This type of catheter is inserted through the urethra into the bladder and is held in place by a small, inflated balloon. The removal of this device is a routine procedure that aligns with the scope of services offered by most urgent care centers.
However, the capability of an urgent care clinic is limited to simple removal and generally excludes more complex devices. Suprapubic catheters, which are surgically placed directly into the bladder through the abdominal wall, should not be removed in an urgent care setting due to the risk of the tract closing and the need for specialized follow-up care. Similarly, central venous catheters, like PICC lines or CVCs, are inserted into large veins and their removal requires specific techniques and monitoring to prevent serious complications, such as an air embolism. Patients should confirm the specific type of catheter and the urgent care center’s policy before visiting.
The Catheter Removal Procedure
The removal of a Foley catheter in a clinical setting is a quick and low-risk process when performed by a trained healthcare provider. The first step involves deflating the retention balloon within the bladder by draining the sterile water out of the balloon port using a syringe. This deflation allows the catheter to slide freely out of the urethra without causing trauma.
Once the balloon is completely deflated, the provider gently and steadily pulls the catheter out of the urethra until it is fully removed. The procedure takes only a few seconds, though patients may experience a brief sensation of discomfort or a mild burning feeling. After removal, the healthcare provider inspects the tip of the catheter to ensure it is intact and that no fragments were left behind.
When Urgent Care Cannot Handle Catheter Issues
While urgent care can manage simple removal, certain patient symptoms or procedural complications necessitate immediate transfer to an emergency department or referral to a specialist. Signs of a systemic infection include a fever of 100.4°F or higher, shaking chills, or new confusion. These symptoms suggest a potentially severe urinary tract infection (UTI) or sepsis that requires prompt, aggressive treatment.
Additional complications involve the catheter itself. If the provider is unable to deflate the retention balloon, attempting to force the catheter out can cause severe damage to the urethra. Similarly, an inability to drain the catheter, or the presence of significant blood clots or large debris in the tubing, suggests a blockage or internal bleeding that requires specialized urological intervention. If the catheter unexpectedly falls out, particularly a suprapubic catheter, the patient should go directly to the emergency room, as the tract can quickly close.
Post-Removal Care and Monitoring
After a catheter is removed, the patient should monitor the return of normal bladder function. It is important to track the first time urine is passed after removal, which should typically occur within six to eight hours. Patients should drink plenty of fluids to help flush the urinary tract and avoid straining to urinate.
Patients should watch for any delayed signs of complications following the procedure. A common issue is urinary retention, which is the inability to urinate, causing the bladder to become distended and painful. Other signs to monitor include persistent, painful urination beyond the first 24 hours, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or blood in the urine that lasts longer than a day. If any of these issues occur, or if the patient is unable to urinate within the expected timeframe, they should seek medical attention promptly.