FFinalistSouthampton · 2027
All procedures
GMC #20/Therapeutic procedures taught Y3

Male & female urinary catheterisation

Insert a urethral catheter in both male and female patients.

Target · Perform under supervision0% ready

Do it on a patient with a supervisor observing you (GMC “direct supervision”).

Overview

Aseptic insertion of a urethral catheter. Two absolute rules: never inflate the balloon until urine flows, and in males replace the retracted foreskin afterwards (to prevent paraphimosis).

Key numbers

  • Balloon: inflate with 10 mL sterile water — only once urine flowsManufacturer / EAUN
  • Catheter size 12–16 Ch typical (larger for haematuria/clots)EAUN

Indications

  • Acute urinary retention
  • Accurate urine-output monitoring (critically ill)
  • Bladder outlet obstruction; peri-operative; some incontinence

Contraindications & cautions

  • Suspected urethral trauma (blood at the meatus, high-riding prostate, pelvic fracture) — do NOT catheterise; senior/urology input

Equipment

Catheter pack + sterile glovesCatheter (12–16 Ch typical)Anaesthetic lubricating gel10 mL sterile water + syringe (balloon)Drainage bag; ANTT

Step by step

Prepare
  1. 1Consent; offer a chaperone; check allergies (e.g. latex); position (supine; female — legs abducted)
  2. 2Establish a sterile field (ANTT); clean the meatus; drape
Insert
  1. 1Instil anaesthetic lubricating gel into the urethra (male: hold to allow it to work)
  2. 2Insert the catheter to the hilt (fully — to the bifurcation) before inflating
  3. 3Confirm urine flows, then inflate the balloon with 10 mL sterile water
  4. 4Attach the drainage bag; secure
After
  1. 1Replace the foreskin in males
  2. 2Document: indication, catheter type/size, residual volume, any difficulty (keep the batch label for the notes)
  3. 3Note the residual (retention) volume

Complications

  • Urethral trauma / false passage, paraphimosis, CAUTI (catheter-associated UTI), bypassing, blockage

OSCE tips

  • Never inflate the balloon until you see urine — inflating in the urethra causes serious trauma.
  • Insert to the hilt before inflating.
  • Replace the male foreskin afterwards — a commonly-forgotten safety step.

Watch

Read

Male catheterisation — OSCE GuideGeeky Medics

Reference cards

Sources & credits

Authored to UK finals standard and verified against UK guidance (Manufacturer · EAUN) and Geeky Medics OSCE guides . Southampton teaching materials © University of Southampton. Always follow current local policy.