Bladder irrigation.

Irrigation is a procedure used to wash out the bladder. The bladder will be irrigated (flushed) with saline or any
other solution to keep the urine draining freely through the catheter and to keep the catheter from getting plugged.
It may be necessary to irrigate the bladder five times a day, but eventually will be needed to be done only once a day.

Definition

Bladder irrigation is a sterile procedure that is done to wash out the urinary bladder.

Purpose

- It is used to removed and prevent clots in the urinary bladder.

- Its usually done post urinary bladder or prostate surgery.

- To prevent infection

- For pre-operative care for patients going for bladder surgery.

- To introduce antibiotics e.g in case of pseudomonas infection.

Solutions used for bladder irrigations

1. Distilled water

2. Normal saline

3. Glucose solution 5 percent

4. Boric acid 2 percent

5. Potassium permanganate 1 in 10,000

6. Acriflavin 1 in 10,000

7. Silver nitrate 1 in 5000 (astringent)

8. Acetic acid 1 in 400 to treat pseudomonas infection

Requirements for bladder irrigation.

- A 3-way catheter

- 50ml Syringe

- Plastic container for liquid

- Saline

- Basin for collecting urine

- Catheter plug or plastic clamp

Procedure
-Seek for patient consent

- Wash your hands

- Gather your equipment and take to patient bed side.

- Screen Patient to provide privacy

- If patient is not on catheter, catheterize patient using procedure for catheterization

- Pour solution into the container

- Withdraw solution into the syringe. (Note: The amount or type of solution needed will be different for each person.)

- Attach the syringe to the catheter and gently push into the bladder. Do not force fluid into the bladder.

- Repeat and empty as necessary into an unsterile container or urine bag.

- When return flow is clean or when amount order has been used, clamp the catheter immediately and withdraw
gently.

- Collect equipments.

- Make patient comfortable.

- Document the procedure done and any observation during the procedure on patient's chart.

Complications

1. Trauma/injury

2. Septicemia/infection

3. Fluids retention