Size up, not down, when choosing a catheter for a man

When a male patient is in need of a catheter, "Bigger is better for boys." For example, if a patient has known benign prostatic hyperplasia and you try an 18F catheter without luck, go a size or two bigger rather than smaller. The larger catheter is stiffer and can pass through the prostatic urethra more easily. — Charlene Kreiensieck, PA-C, Laconia, N.H. (158-16)

These are letters from practitioners around the country who want to share their clinical problems and successes, observations and pearls with their colleagues. We invite you to participate. If you have something you would like to share, send us an email.

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