Is it common practice to use Foley Catheter and not inform PT ever? Never consenting with PT .

Question

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

Carmina Cardenas, MD · Answer

Tummy Tuck is perform in the US normally under general anesthesia, it is a very invasive procedure, and urine catheter is a safety measure  we ALWAYS use during invasive procedures, under general, long procedures or under regional anesthesia. I truly believe you trusted your surgeon, that he or she will do the BEST for you, including all type of SAFETY measures to prevent any issues and put your life first. Can you imagine having a seizure, or super low blood pressure, or a bad medication or anesthetic reaction? an urine catheter turns to  be a VERY IMPORTANT safety measure to determine blood flow to kidneys, etc, etc.Trust more and worry less.Dr. Cardenas

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Yes foley placement is standard during longer surgical procedures under general anesthesia like a tummy tuck.  This is a safety measure to be able to measure your fluid status/output.  It is generally placed while you are asleep and removed before you wake up to minimize discomfort.  It is done in the operating room to keep risk of infection to a minimum.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

as it allows you to have tons of fluid and this helps diminish nausea and vomiting post-op.  I even let my patients decide if they want to take them home with them so they don't have to walk down a hallway to the bathroom that night.  This is not routinely discussed as its not an option for this procedure but I do mention it to my patients since they will have to decide on what to do with it post-op.  I will remove the foley by their second day after surgery and check the incisions and remove the pain buster catheter at the same time.  I'm sorry you are PO'd and feel violated but it is part of the procedure unless your surgeon can do your procedure very fast.  But in my experience, speed kills as the fastest surgeon in my town was also the owner of the most complications.

R. Laurence Berkowitz, MD · Answer

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

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your concerns after tummy tuck surgery.  Practices will vary when it comes to the use of Foley catheters.  In my practice, I do utilize these catheters for most tummy tuck  and mommy makeover procedures.  They are useful both from the patient comfort standpoint and from the standpoint of monitoring patient's fluid "resuscitation" status.   In my practice, they are usually placed when the patient is asleep and removed before she is discharged.  Generally,    specific informed consent for its use is not obtained and  have not had the experience where a patient has had concerns regarding its usage.     Best wishes.

Peter Fisher, MD (retired) · Answer

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.

Is it common practice to use Foley Catheter and not inform PT ever? Never consenting with PT .

Answers (6)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (6)

More Tummy Tuck Questions

Can you have swelling of the vaginal wall/prolapse after a Tummy Tuck due to constipation or tightening?

What is the best sleeping positions after a nipple reconstruction?

Is 500 mL/day of drainage normal after tummy tuck?

Will cutting out fat during tummy tuck give results equal to having liposuction?

Will my body spitting out sutures affect my outcome? (Photo)

I have a wound separation after tummy tuck April 12 2018, advice on what is going on? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS