How to manage encrustation and blockage of Foley catheters.

catheter changes based on individual patients’ patterns of blockage. In addition, catheter washouts with acidic catheter maintenance solutions (which are used to dissolve encrusted material) can be used to prolong the period that the catheter remains patent. However, although all catheters are susceptible to this problem, there are no effective procedures for preventing it (Morris et al, 1997). Previous laboratory studies suggest that any attempt to reduce urinary pH to prevent catheter encrustation, without the elimination of urease-producing micro-organisms, is unlikely to be successful (Bibby et al, 1995).