What Might Happen After a Urinary Catheter is Removed?
Possible Symptoms After Removal
Burning
Your child may complain of a slight feeling of burning when they urinate (pee) after the catheter is removed. This is normal. If the feeling of burning continues for more than one day, call your child's healthcare provider.
Urination
You may see a slight amount of pink-colored urine the first time your child urinates after the catheter is removed. This is from a small amount of blood in the urine.
It may be slightly difficult for your child to urinate the first time they try after the catheter is removed. If your child has trouble, try placing them in a tub of warm water to urinate. The water level in the tub should be enough to cover your child's genitals. Important: Never leave a young child in the tub alone.
Encourage your child to increase their fluid intake (drinking water or apple juice) to help urinate. This will help dilute the urine and decrease the amount of discomfort. Stay away from soda pop or citrus juices. If your child is unable to urinate after four to six hours, call their healthcare provider.
Swelling
If your child's lower belly is swollen or they complain of pain in the belly after catheter removal, call your child's healthcare provider.
Discomfort
It is possible that after catheter removal your child may experience some discomfort. Please tell the doctor, nurse or technologist if significant or prolonged pain occurs so it can be evaluated.
Fever, belly pain, back pain, or foul-smelling urine may be signs of a urinary tract infection. Report this to your child’s primary care doctor.
When to Call Your Child's Doctor:
- If you have any other questions or concerns about your child after they have had a urinary catheter removed
- For any additional questions or concerns
