Is it common practice to use a Foley catheter during procedures? I had a tummy tuck and just received my medical records from my PS and she used a Foley catheter during the procedure and I was unaware of it until now. Why wasn’t I informed before and after about the use? No mentions of it in my pre op or post op appointments. I’m extremely P O . Feeling violated. This is an important detail that should be discussed with the patient. I don’t have a bladder problem either. Thank you
June 30, 2018
Answer: Foley catheters First of all I agree with you that you should have been informed of this part of your procedure, however it does not require written consent like the surgical procedure. We inform our patients as a matter of courtesy and for his or her input at the time of our briefing in the pre-operative area. Sometimes I think we are going to need one but the anesthesiologist will say otherwise--that is the purpose of a briefing to make sure that all parties are on the same page. Now, so that you fully understand why a Foley catheter is considered a standard of practice in abdominoplasty let me explain. First, in cases that either will extend for more than 4 to 5 hours the bladder will not leak what it cannot hold, but conversely will over distend and possibly damage the bladder requiring a prolonged catheter. Secondly, specific to abdominoplasty, we are repairing the muscle over the bladder with sutures and do not wish to risk puncturing the bladder. There are times when a catheter must be placed when not expected if the patient requires more than the anticipated intravenous volume. We have recently obtained a small ultrasound bladder scanner to monitor patients during surgery to help us if we are unsure. If you are happy with your result, then be happy that your surgeon followed the standard of practice. Inform him or her that as a patient you felt excluded from the decision making process and that may help your doctor be a better communicator
Helpful
June 30, 2018
Answer: Foley catheters First of all I agree with you that you should have been informed of this part of your procedure, however it does not require written consent like the surgical procedure. We inform our patients as a matter of courtesy and for his or her input at the time of our briefing in the pre-operative area. Sometimes I think we are going to need one but the anesthesiologist will say otherwise--that is the purpose of a briefing to make sure that all parties are on the same page. Now, so that you fully understand why a Foley catheter is considered a standard of practice in abdominoplasty let me explain. First, in cases that either will extend for more than 4 to 5 hours the bladder will not leak what it cannot hold, but conversely will over distend and possibly damage the bladder requiring a prolonged catheter. Secondly, specific to abdominoplasty, we are repairing the muscle over the bladder with sutures and do not wish to risk puncturing the bladder. There are times when a catheter must be placed when not expected if the patient requires more than the anticipated intravenous volume. We have recently obtained a small ultrasound bladder scanner to monitor patients during surgery to help us if we are unsure. If you are happy with your result, then be happy that your surgeon followed the standard of practice. Inform him or her that as a patient you felt excluded from the decision making process and that may help your doctor be a better communicator
Helpful
June 30, 2018
Answer: Foley catheter Hello and thank you for your question. A Foley catheter is standard of care when performing a tummy tuck. This is for your safety and does not require informed consent. I’m sorry that you feel violated, but now that you know and have no problems try to forget it. Your safety and health are your Dr’s first concern.
Helpful
June 30, 2018
Answer: Foley catheter Hello and thank you for your question. A Foley catheter is standard of care when performing a tummy tuck. This is for your safety and does not require informed consent. I’m sorry that you feel violated, but now that you know and have no problems try to forget it. Your safety and health are your Dr’s first concern.
Helpful
