A Foley catheter is a thin, soft tube placed through the urethra into the bladder, with a small balloon that holds it in place. It drains urine into a bag and allows nurses to measure how much urine the child makes, which shows how well the kidneys and circulation are working.

It is used in children with shock, kidney injury, major surgery or an inability to pass urine, and a pediatric critical care hospital in Mumbai uses urine output as one of its key daily measures. The area is cleaned, a lubricated catheter of suitable size is gently inserted and secured, and the bag is kept below the level of the bladder. The catheter is removed as soon as it is no longer needed, because the risk of infection rises with every day it stays.

How the Procedure Can Help

It provides an accurate measure of urine output and prevents bladder overfilling, and it supports decisions about fluids and medicines.

Risks and Considerations

Risks include urinary infection, discomfort, injury to the urethra and blockage of the tube. Fever, cloudy or bloody urine, pain, or no urine drainage requires prompt review.