INTRODUCTION Since the beginning of the last century, different types of probes have been

applied, according to the requirements of patients. The reasons for such application are due to
various circumstances that afflict them. Among the objectives to be achieved we have: •
Establish a means of drainage from the affected cavity to the outside • For diagnostic purposes
• To feed in the case of the nasogastric tube, or irrigate in the case of the urinary catheter.
There are several types of probes and routes of application of them. Among them we have,
bladder catheters, urethral tubes, rectal tubes, nasogastric tubes, intestinal tubes and oxygen
tubes.
WHAT IS A PROBE AND WHAT IS IT FOR? Probes are a tubular instrument used to reach a body
cavity through a natural (such as nostrils) or artificial orifice. They can be made of soft plastic,
latex or silicone. Whether for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, a probe is used to insert
fluids or remove them (drainage tube). They can reach the air, urinary, intestinal or rectal
tract. When starting a surgical process or acting in a medical emergency, health professionals
follow a fairly strict medical protocol. This consists of placing the probes very carefully, without
causing trauma and ensuring the comfort of the patient. Even so, it is true that the placement
of a probe is somewhat annoying, so it is very important that the patient is explained how the
process is, to avoid nerves or discomfort.

PARTS OF A PROBE A probe consists of three parts. These are: Head. It is the end that
is introduced into the body and has holes through which fluid is introduced or
extracted. The eyes can be lateral or terminal and will have the right shape and size to
avoid possible filling by mucus, clots. The heads of the probes have very different
shapes. According to their function straight, curved, angled, etc.
Body. It is the tubular part, which is cylindrical and hollow. Size is measured according
to its diameter and expressed in Charrière (Ch). A Charrière is 1/3 mm. Ch/3 number =
outside diameter in mm. For example 6 Ch = 2 mm. The measurement is usually
indicated by the color of the connector of the proximal part. Link. It is the end of the
probe that remains on the outside, without being inserted into the body. It can be
adapted to a syringe or a collection bag, depending on its function of installation or
drainage. The materials normally used in the manufacture of urinary catheters are
latex and silicone. Latex is indicated for short probes (2-3 weeks) and silicone and
polyurethane for prolonged probes (3 months approx.).
TYPES OF PROBES They are classified according to their function. Federic Eugene Basil Foley
was an American physician who invented the urinary catheter that gets his name. Initially, he
had an interest in becoming a neurosurgeon while working alongside Harvey Cushing.
However, he ended up dedicating himself to urology, where he made his greatest contribution.
They are inserted through the urethra into the bladder. They are used for diagnostic purposes
or to drain urine or instill a liquid into it (medicated or washing). Obtaining urine from the
bladder may be necessary for bacteriological examinations, probes of the urethra with possible
narrowing of the lumen, as well as to obtain useful data in the diagnosis of the lower urinary
tract, for example, urodynamics and ureterogram. It is rarely used for the determination of
residual urine because this is currently done by ultrasound. Therapeutic catheterization is
necessary when there is any alteration when emptying the bladder, so ...con movimientos
fluidos hasta que aparezca orina. Luego llenar el balón y deslizar el prepucio. Conectar la sonda
con el colector y asegurarse de que la orina sigue fluyendo.

2. Probing in women. Separate the labia minora, clean the exit of the urethra with gauze
soaked in antiseptic solution. Administer the gel by inserting the conical end of the syringe into
the urethra, and cover the end of the tube with gel. Check the tightness of the balloon by
filling it with water for injection. Then empty the ball. Advance the catheter to a depth of 10-
12 cm or until urine appears, then fill the balloon. Connect the tube to the collector and make
sure urine is still flowing. If resistance appears that prevents the catheter from being placed,
especially in men, use a larger diameter probe (20 F). In case of failure, you can try the use of
the Tiemann probe, which is more rigid, has a curved end and has no balloon. This probe
should be placed with great caution, with the curved part directed upwards. If the probe
cannot be inserted into the urethra, call the urologist. RECTAL PROBES Rectal probes facilitate

the exit ...

1. INTESTINAL TUBES The intestinal probe is used in surgical procedures in which an

aspiration is performed to reduce abdominal distension. They tend to be long and with
a fine diameter. They are intended for intestinal aspiration in surgical operations, in
order to decrease painful abdominal distension. They should have a large length and a
fine diameter. To administer tube feeding, specific equipment is required. Formula
container: This is a flexible bag or semi-rigid bottle, glass jars or cans and "tetrabricks"
of plastic material. They must have a wide mouth to introduce the diet and an outlet
where it connects, the administration line. Nowadays many commercial preparations
are already presented in bottles that, through suitable adapters, are connected to the
administration line without the need for containers. Administration Line: It is usually
made of flexible and transparent plastic; At one end is fixed ...