Pediatric Catheters

Catheter selection is particularly important when catheterizing a child. Catheterization may be performed for a variety of reasons: to obtain a urine specimen, to relieve urinary retention, to allow the bladder to rest or heal after surgery or to dilate a urethral stricture. With inappropriate equipment or poor technique, catheterization can become a traumatic event for the child and the parents. However, with a careful explanation of the procedure, proper choice of equipment and supples and skillful technique, insertion of a catheter can be completed without trauma.