Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC): Step-by-Step Detailed Instructions for Boys

CIC is a technique that helps children empty urine from their bladder and usually needs to be performed several times a day.

CIC stands for Clean Intermittent Catheterization, which refers to clean intermittent catheterization.

CIC Can Help Solve Bladder Problems

When a child is unable to empty urine from the bladder by themselves, experiences bladder leakage, or has high bladder pressure, CIC (Clean Intermittent Catheterization) must be used. If the bladder is not properly emptied, infections or other complications may occur.

CIC is not difficult. If the child follows the nurse’s instructions, it will not harm their bladder. After some practice, almost everyone—including children as young as five years old—can learn this technique.

How the Urinary System Works

Urine is produced by the kidneys. It flows from the kidneys through the ureters into the bladder. The bladder is a muscular sac that stores urine.

At the base of the bladder, there is a strong muscle called the sphincter, which prevents urine from leaking out until you are ready to urinate.

When the brain sends a signal to relax the sphincter, urine is released and flows out through the urethra. When the bladder is full, it sends a signal to the brain approximately every two hours to indicate fullness. The brain then decides whether it is an appropriate time to urinate. If you do not empty your bladder after the first signal, the signals will come more frequently and stronger. Eventually, if the bladder becomes too full, it may empty by itself.

If the bladder is not emptied, infections or other health problems may occur. If urine is not drained timely, it can flow back into the ureters and kidneys. This condition is called reflux, which can cause kidney infections, scarring, and permanent kidney damage.

For many children, CIC allows the bladder to be completely emptied, stops reflux, and helps prevent urinary tract infections and bedwetting.

Ten Steps for Performing CIC Correctly on Boys

1. Prepare all necessary equipment and place it within easy reach.
2. Encourage the child to urinate as much as possible, but don’t force it.
3. Have the child wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them. Keep the child’s nails short and clean.
4. Position the child standing in front of the toilet, sitting astride a potty chair, or supported on the bed.
5. If the child is uncircumcised, have him retract and hold back the foreskin during catheterization. Then, have the child clean the tip of the penis with soap and water.
6. Apply lubricant to the tip of the catheter, covering about 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) of the catheter tip.
7. Have the child pull the penis away from the body and hold it. He should hold the catheter like a pencil and slowly insert it into the urethra until urine begins to flow. Then gently advance the catheter about 3 cm (1 inch) further. The sphincter provides some resistance, acting like a door at the bladder entrance. It is important for the child to breathe slowly and relax the muscles.
8. Allow all urine to drain into the toilet or a collection container.
9. When urination stops, slowly withdraw the catheter. Urine may continue to flow and should be allowed to drain completely.
10. Have the child clean the penis, return the foreskin to its original position, and wash their hands again.

Other Precautions:

1. Check the color, odor, and clarity of the urine. These factors can help identify infections or other health issues. If there are any changes in the urine, inform your doctor or nurse.
2. Record the amount of urine the child voids. This information can help doctors and nurses work with you to create an appropriate regular catheterization schedule for the child.可能出现的问题

Possible Problems:

1. Catheter blockage: During catheterization, if the child does not relax the urethral sphincter, the "bladder gate" will remain closed. If the catheter cannot be inserted even when the child is relaxed, you should contact a doctor or nurse.

2. Catheter-related bleeding: Occasionally, small drops of blood may appear around the catheter during catheterization. If this happens infrequently, it may not be serious, but you should still inform your doctor or nurse.

3. Signs of infection with fever: If the child develops a fever and the urine becomes cloudy and foul-smelling, you must contact the doctor immediately.

4. Signs of infection without fever: If the urine is cloudy and foul-smelling but the child does not have a fever, ensure the child drinks plenty of water and is catheterizing correctly. If the child develops a fever, contact the doctor.

Perform CIC 4–6 Times a Day:

Most doctors recommend performing CIC 4 to 6 times daily, with the exact frequency depending on the child’s needs. The interval between catheterizations at night should not exceed 8 hours.为孩子选择合适尺寸的导管

Choosing the Right Catheter Size for Your Child:

The child’s doctor will provide the catheter size that best fits your child.

Catheter size is measured in French (FR) units. Catheters used for clean intermittent catheterization typically range from 5 to 16 FR; the smaller the number, the thinner the catheter.

If necessary, the doctor may recommend changing the catheter size. For example, if it takes too long to empty the bladder, the catheter might be too thin.了解

Important Things to Know:

• It is very important for the child to catheterize on time and not miss any scheduled catheterizations. Establish a regular daily schedule.
• If the catheter falls on the floor, replace it with a new one.
• Encourage the child to drink plenty of water to help flush urine through the kidneys.

Disclaimer

1. Some of the content in this article comes from online sources. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal.
2. The medical information provided here is for reference only and should not be used as a basis for clinical diagnosis or treatment.