Catheter valves: Frequently asked questions

What is a catheter valve?

If you need a catheter to drain your bladder, a catheter valve may be used provided the doctors know that your bladder can hold a reasonable quantity of urine without discomfort or leakage. The valve fits securely into the end of the catheter and can be opened to allow urine to drain out at regular intervals. The valve is more discreet and comfortable than a drainage bag, allowing your bladder to fill and empty as normally as possible when there is a catheter in place.

How do I use the valve?

The specialist nurse will show you how to open and close the valve to drain your bladder. She/he will also discuss how often this needs to be done. If you experience any discomfort from your bladder, you should drain the catheter at that time.

What should I do with the valve?

• First, wash your hands thoroughly.
• Position the valve over the toilet or receptacle, open the valve and allow the catheter to drain to completion. Wipe the valve with clean tissue and replace it inside your underclothes.
• Now, wash your hands again.
• If you do not wear close fitting garments, your catheter should be supported by a strap on the leg about which the specialist nurse will give you advice.
• Do not allow the catheter to hang down unsupported since this will cause discomfort.
• If you drain the urine into a receptacle at home, the receptacle should be washed in warm, soapy water after use and stored upside down.

How should I keep the area clean?

If the catheter goes into the body through the usual opening into the bladder (a urethral catheter), the area around the catheter should be washed with warm water and mild soap twice a day.

On the other hand, if the catheter enters the body through the abdominal wall (a suprapubic catheter), the area around the catheter should be cleaned twice daily and, if necessary, a dry dressing applied. Your district nurse will discuss this with you.

You may bathe or shower with the catheter in place. Normally, the valve does not need to be removed from the catheter unless the catheter itself needs removal or changing. If the valve does have to be removed for any reason, it should be washed thoroughly in clean water and dried on a clean paper towel.

Who can I contact for more help or information?

Oncology nurses

Uro-oncology nurse specialist
Call 01223 586748

Bladder cancer nurse practitioner (haematuria, chemotherapy and BCG)
Call 01223 274608

Prostate cancer nurse practitioner
Call 01223 274608 or Call 01223 216897

Surgical care practitioner
Call 01223 348590 or call 01223 256157

Non-oncology nurses

Urology nurse practitioner (incontinence, urodynamics, catheter patients)
Call 01223 274608 or call 01223 586748

Urology nurse practitioner (stoma care)
Call 01223 349800

Urology nurse practitioner (stone disease)
Call 01223 349800

Patient Advice and Liaison Centre (PALS)
Telephone: Call +44 (0)1223 216756
PatientLine: *801 (from patient bedside telephones only)
E mail: cuh.pals@nhs.net
Mail: PALS, Box No 53 Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ

Chaplaincy and multi faith community
Telephone: Call +44 (0)1223 217769
E mail: cuh.chaplaincy@nhs.net
Mail: The Chaplaincy, Box No 105 Addenbrooke's Hospital
Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ

MINICOM System ("type" system for the hard of hearing)
Telephone: Call +44 (0)1223 217589

Access office (travel, parking and security information)
Telephone: Call +44 (0)1223 596060