I know this question has probably been run through the mill before, but I would like to post it once again.
There is a debate starting to gather steam at my hospital on testing the balloon on a foley before inserting it.
I'm a bit old school, and for the record, I DO test inflate the balloon. :chair:
I go as far as pulling off the syringe with the balloon up, usually not all the way, squeeze the balloon a tad, then re-attach the syringe bringing the balloon back down.
The opposition says blowing up the balloon stresses it needlessly, and could cause premature failure.
I've seen failures of all sorts with foley's in my 30 plus years in the biz, and unless someone can convince me with rock solid evidence....I'm not going to change my mind now!!
Kind of a medical Shakespere question: "To test the foley, or not to test,,that is the question". :chuckle
This has always been an issue where i work. I always test the balloon. These surgeons have to realize, that i am held responsible for that patient once we leave the OR.
We have two uro docs that say don’t test. They have never seen one fail. We have always inflated then deflated with out any time in between. As it would turn out, on one case there was a very small leak in the balloon and the Foley came out in the middle of the case. It wasn’t a big case so we did an in and out at the end.
ALWAYS TEST!!!! And wait for a second before deflating.
Also never inflate in the patient unless there is a return; especially in older males. You may be looped in the prostate if there is no return and you are to the hub of the cath. I've seen that one too.
hubcap8383_CST
6 Posts
we have two urologists at my facility. one likes us to test the balloon, and the other doc hates the idea.