What is a trial without catheter?

A trial without catheter is essential to attempt to remove the medical device, as it carries a risk of infection and may lead to sepsis.

A date has been made for you to have a trial without catheter. This procedure will be undertaken by a nurse from the community bladder and bowel service in your home.

The nurse will visit you at home between 8.30am and 9am on the agreed date. The nurse will remove your catheter and visit again approximately six hours later to perform an non invasive ultrasound bladder scan to measure urine volume only. For this you will need to lie down and a probe will be passed over your stomach to produce an image of your bladder.

What happens when the catheter has been removed?

You will be required to measure all the urine you pass and record this on the chart overleaf.

You will need a measuring jug to do this accurately. The principle is to go naturally when you feel the urge.

You will need to drink about one litre of fluid on the day which is about four mugs or six cups. This is also to be recorded on the chart.

What to look out for

Please be aware that following removal of the catheter you may:

  • Notice some slight bleeding when you pass urine
  • Feel some discomfort during and after removal
  • Want to go to the toilet more often (as your bladder has reduced in size, being on free drainage)
  • Need to have the catheter put back in if the trial is unsuccessful. The risk of developing a urinary tract infection may be increased if this happens.

All possible steps will be taken to reduce any risks

What happens after the trial?

At the end of the trial if you are passing urine normally you will not need another catheter.

If you are unable to pass urine you will have another catheter inserted and we will discuss further management with you.

If the nurse is unable to fit your catheter, you will be referred to your local hospital to have it fitted.

What do I need to do?

  • Please drink approximately four mugs or six cups of fluid from 9am to 2pm and write this down on the chart
  • Using a measuring jug, measure all the urine you pass on write this on the chart. (You can print this page using the print icon in the bottom right of the screen, or ask the service for a copy of this leaflet.)
Time Fluid type and amount Time Amount of urine passed
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       

Outcome

Post void bladder scan volume

  • Successful trail without catheter
    Discharge patient and write to inform the GP
  • Unsuccessful trial without catheter
    Re-catheterise, write to GP and request referral to Urology department at your local hospital
  • Other
    Please specify

Our patients matter

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust listens and responds to patients and their carers to help improve the services we deliver.

If you have any comments, compliments or concerns you can speak with a member of staff or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) and Complaints Team.

Telephone: 0151 471 2377
Freephone: 0800 328 2941
Email: palsandcomplaints@merseycare.nhs.uk


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