An anti-reflux valve flap system is a system built into a urinary drainage bag to lessen back flow into the drainage tube. Patients who have different types of urological dysfunction that render them unable to empty their bladder in the typical way will wear a urinary catheter, usually available at urological supplies stores. Choosing a catheter with a built in anti-reflux valve flap system is a preferred choice of most patients, because it automatically provides essential protection against infection as a result of back flow.
PBS/IC, which stands for painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis, requires one of two different treatments. One would be oral medication and the other would be what is called bladder instillations. This is typically a catheter that goes directly into the bladder to deliver the medication. All catheterization supplies are available at a urological supply store, or a medical supply store. These stores supply whatever is needed for the necessities, in addition to the patient’s ease and comfort, during catheterization. Some supplies that might be required would be catheter plugs and caps, catheterization trays, and even intermittent catheter supplies. Patients can specifically ask for urinary drainage bags with the built in anti-reflux valve flap system so that they are sure to cover all their bases.
Urinary tract issues are known to increase between the ages of 65 and 85, with a 14% chance of problems arising in people between 65-69, and up to a 45% possibility in people 85 and over. Often people will need to turn to their doctor for relief from this discomfort, and catheterization is usually the most successful solution. According to studies, urinary catheterization has been in use for incontinent bladders for at least 3500 years! There really is nothing new under the sun!
It really makes a lot of sense for patients to begin using urinary drainage bags with the anti-reflux valve flap system for the extra protection it offers. This feature is latex free and provides a sterile fluid passage that includes a slide tap drainage port for easy one-handed drainage. Using a urinary drainage bag with this feature is designed to tremendously improve your quality of life.
Patients will be given instructions by their doctor regarding how to empty and clean their urinary leg bags. The usual practice is to empty the bag twice a day, or when it is half full, and to clean it each day. Replacement of the bag should be done twice a month or once a week, depending upon the doctor’s instructions.
An interesting product that is fairly new was invented for the urological needs of people who are not able to empty their urinary bag themselves. People confined to a wheelchair, and possibly without the use of their arms, were dependent upon others to see to the emptying of the bag when it needed to be done. These individuals often felt unable to go out in public on their own because of their inability to take care of a urinary bag that might need to be emptied while they were not at home, or at least with someone who could do it for them. A self emptying leg bag system was created that completely changes a person’s outlook and abilities.
This system includes all the components the individual will need to carry out their own bag emptying process. The patient clips a small controller to the waist of their pants that will vibrate when the bag is about two thirds full. The patient then holds the discharge tube over a toilet, or appropriate container, and pushes a button located on the top of the controller. The bag begins to empty through the discharge tube and into the toilet. Another way to begin the process is by waving a magnetic wrist band in front of the controller. This is more convenient for patients who are limited in the use of their fingers making it difficult to push the button. The wristband is attached to their wrist by velcro and they simply wave it in front of the controller to begin the emptying process. When the process is finished, the patient simply presses the button or waves the wristband in front of the controller again to shut it off.