Tag: Foley catheter

Worldwide, over 100 million urinary catheters are used annually, and a common question is: do they use anesthesia when putting in a catheter? [1.8.1] Local anesthetic gels are frequently used to minimize pain and discomfort during this common medical procedure. [1.3.1, 1.4.4]

The rate of labor induction has more than tripled in the United States since 1990, increasing the focus on the drugs used to initiate and manage the birthing process. Pitocin, a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin, is a commonly known induction agent, but for various clinical reasons, alternatives are often necessary. For medical professionals and patients alike, understanding what drugs are used instead of Pitocin for cervical ripening, labor augmentation, and controlling postpartum bleeding is a crucial aspect of modern obstetrics.

While many surgeries under general anesthesia do not require a urinary catheter, studies have shown they are frequently used for prolonged or complex procedures, or in patients who need close monitoring. The decision to place a catheter is a clinical one, balancing the need for bladder management with the potential risks involved.