About Catheter Removal
Key Highlights
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Quick, minimally invasive outpatient procedure.Restores normal, independent urinary function.Performed by a specialist urologist for safety and precision.Typically causes minimal discomfort.Reduces the long-term risk of catheter-associated infections (CAUTI).No general anesthesia is usually required./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Completion of post-surgical recovery (e.g., after prostate or bladder surgery).
- Resolution of acute urinary retention.
- After treatment for a urinary tract obstruction (e.g., kidney stones).
- Following a period of monitored urine output in critically ill patients.
- Healing of urethral or bladder injuries that required catheterization.
- Patient's regained ability to urinate voluntarily after a neurological event.
How to prepare
- Consultation with the urologist to confirm the catheter is ready for removal.
- No fasting is typically required unless sedation is planned.
- Inform the doctor of all current medications, especially blood thinners.
- A simple urinalysis may be done to rule out active infection.
- The patient may be asked to arrive with a full bladder for an immediate voiding trial post-removal.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the appointment.
Risks & possible complications
- Minor discomfort or a burning sensation during the first few urinations.
- Risk of urinary tract infection (UTI).
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention) requiring re-catheterization.
- Minor bleeding or blood in the urine (hematuria).
- Rare risk of urethral injury or false passage formation.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Drink plenty of water to flush the urinary system and reduce burning.
- Expect to urinate frequently; monitor for ability to pass urine freely.
- Some pink-tinged urine is common for a day or two.
- Contact your urologist immediately if you cannot urinate, have severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding.
- Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for 24-48 hours.
- A follow-up may be scheduled to ensure normal urinary function has resumed.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 1-3 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering catheter removal in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for catheter removal in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform catheter removal. MediFyr helps you compare urologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for catheter removal compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Catheter Removal in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated urology teams and experience managing patients undergoing catheter removal.
Priya Johnson, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Priya Johnson, a 42-year-old software engineer and mother of two, had a Foley catheter placed after a complex hysterectomy for severe endometriosis. The catheter was necessary to allow her bladder to heal after the surgery, which involved significant pelvic adhesions. She experienced the constant discomfort of the catheter bag, felt tethered to her home, and struggled with recurrent urinary tract infections despite meticulous hygiene. Her urologist, Dr. Chen, recommended removal after a cystogram confirmed her bladder had healed properly, six weeks post-op. The removal itself was quick and virtually painless, just a slight tugging sensation. In recovery, Priya felt an immediate, profound sense of freedom and relief. The first time she urinated on her own was emotionally overwhelming, a simple act that symbolized regaining control of her body. Her emotional journey shifted from feeling broken and dependent to empowered and grateful, celebrating each small milestone in her return to normalcy.
Urologists for Catheter Removal
Explore experienced urologists who regularly perform catheter removal and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 26 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore