Incontinence Device Application, Male
Many patients don’t require an indwelling urinary catheter to manage their incontinence. For male patients, a male incontinence device, also known as a condom catheter or penile sheath, reduces the risk of urinary tract infection from catheterization, promotes bladder retraining when possible, helps prevent skin breakdown, and improves the patient’s self-image. The device consists of a condom catheter secured to the shaft of the penis and connected to a leg bag or drainage bag. It has no contraindications but can cause skin irritation and edema.
Equipment
Condom catheter ▪ drainage bag ▪ extension tubing ▪ hypoallergenic tape or incontinence sheath holder ▪ commercial adhesive strip or skin-bond cement ▪ plastic adhesive or Velcro, if needed ▪ gloves ▪ electric clippers, if needed ▪ basin ▪ soap ▪ washcloth ▪ towel.
Preparation of Equipment
Fill the basin with lukewarm water. Then, bring the basin and the remaining equipment to the patient’s bedside.
Implementation
Confirm the patient’s identity using at least two patient identifiers according to your facility’s policy.5
Provide privacy and explain the procedure to the patient.
Put on gloves.
Applying the Device
If the patient is circumcised, wash the penis with soap and water, rinse well, and pat dry with a towel. If the patient is uncircumcised, gently retract the foreskin and clean beneath it. Rinse well but don’t dry because moisture provides lubrication and prevents friction during foreskin replacement. Replace the foreskin to avoid penile constriction. Then, if necessary, clip hair from the base and shaft of the penis to prevent the adhesive strip or skin-bond cement from pulling pubic hair.
If you’re using a precut commercial adhesive strip, insert the glans penis through its opening, and position the strip 1″ (2.5 cm) from the scrotal area. If you’re using uncut adhesive, cut a strip to fit around the shaft of the penis. Remove the protective covering from one side of the adhesive strip and press this side firmly to the penis to enhance adhesion. Then remove the covering from the other side of the strip. If a commercial adhesive strip isn’t available, apply skin-bond cement and let it dry for a few minutes.
Position the rolled condom catheter at the tip of the penis, leaving ½″ (1.3 cm) between the condom end and the tip of the penis, with the drainage opening at the urinary meatus.
Unroll the catheter upward, past the adhesive strip on the shaft of the penis. Then gently press the sheath against the strip until it adheres. (See How to apply a condom catheter.)
After the condom catheter is in place, secure it with hypoallergenic tape or an incontinence sheath holder.
Using extension tubing, connect the condom catheter to the leg bag or drainage bag.
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