Tab. III.

Different types of urinary catheters [4].

Technology	Permanent urethral urinary catheters	Suprapubic catheters
Permanence or intermittence	Permanent catheter, following insertion the catheter is left in place	Permanent catheter, following insertion the catheter is left in place
Insertion mode	The catheter is inserted into the bladder in the same way as the intermittent catheter and held in place by means of a water-filled balloon that prevents it from leaking. The opposite end has two openings: one allows urine to be excreted, the other one allows the balloon to be inflated. The urine is collected in a urine bag and its discharge can be regulated by means of a valve	The catheter is inserted into the bladder through a hole in the abdomen. The hole can be made through a surgical procedure under local or general anaesthesia. Urine is collected in a urine bag and its outflow can be regulated by means of a valve
Utilisation	The insertion of urethral catheters must be planned in the presence of a precise clinical indication	The suprapubic catheter is used when the urethra is damaged or obstructed, or when the person is unable to use an intermittent catheter
Duration	After insertion, the catheter can be kept in place for up to 2-3 months	After insertion it can be kept in place for up to 4-12 weeks