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enquiries@saltsmedilink.co.ukWhat is Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterisation?
Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterisation (CISC) is a clean procedure which entails passing a tube into the bladder to enable the urine to drain and then remove it. The catheter tube has eyelets at the tip of the catheter to allow the urine to drain. It is easy to learn and can improve your quality of life.
The advantages of CISC
- Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterisation (CISC) enables the bladder to be emptied completely on a regular basis giving you more freedom and control.
- Emptying the bladder fully will reduce the frequency of needing to pass urine, help to prevent kidney damage and decrease the risk of developing a urinary tract infection (UTI).
What is Clean Intermittent Self-Dilatation (CISD)?
You may have recently had an urethrotomy or an operation to dilate your urethra; however it is very common for the stricture to recur. Passing a catheter or dilator can reduce the stricture recurring and prevent further invasive operations. Urethral dilatation can be carried out at home and entails passing a catheter along the urethra through the stricture to stretch it and prevent the urethra from narrowing.
The advantages of CISD
- Passing a catheter or dilator can reduce the stricture recurring and prevent further invasive operations.
- Urethral dilatation can be carried out at home and entails passing a catheter along the urethra through the stricture to stretch it and prevent the urethra from narrowing.
- It is essential to be prepared when it comes to perform ISC to ensure it is a safe and comfortable procedure.
Male Anatomy
Female Anatomy
How do I use a CISC Catheter?
It is essential to be prepared when it comes to perform ISC to ensure it is a safe and comfortable procedure.
Top Tips:
- Try to relax when inserting the catheter, if you feel tense your urinary sphincter muscle may tighten up making it difficult to insert or withdraw the catheter. If this happens, coughing or taking a warm bath can help relax this muscle.
- Continue to perform CISC during your menstrual cycle. If using tampons, remove this prior to inserting a catheter.
- Use a mirror to help with positioning, Medilink® offers a complimenting mirror as part of our complimenting item service. Please contact your Medilink® dispensing care centre to request one.
- Important: ISC catheters are for single-use and must not be reused.
How to position yourself
Your clinical nurse specialist or healthcare professional will give you advice and support to find a suitable position to perform CISC. The position you choose will allow you to see the urethra clearly and be comfortable whilst you perform catheterisation.
Common positions:
- Standing up in front of a mirror
- Standing with one foot up on a seat/toilet
- Sitting on the edge of a seat/toilet with your pelvis tilted forwards
- Squatting over the toilet
- Laying down with knees bent and slightly apart
Need support or advice?
If you need any further support or advice, then please contact Medilink® today. You can call us Monday to Saturday, from 9am to 5pm, on our Freephone 0800 626388 or email us on enquiries@saltsmedilink.co.uk.