Intermittent Self-Catheterisation (ISC) or Clean Intermittent Self-Catheterisation (CISC) is the regular insertion of a hollow tube (catheter) into the bladder, to empty it of urine.
What is intermittent self-catheterisation (ISC)
Performing ISC
The catheter is inserted into the bladder through the urethra (the channel that leads urine from the bladder to the outside opening). ISC is simple to carry out and after a little practice, it can be done in just a few minutes.
The tip of the catheter is rounded with holes in both sides which allows the urine to enter the tube and drain out of the bladder.
What is a catheter?
A catheter is a plastic tube with eyelets (drainage holes), which are used to drain urine from the bladder. Catheters can be both permanent (indwelling catheters) and intermittent. The intermittent catheter – which is considered the preferred method – is inserted at regular intervals and removed immediately after the bladder has been fully emptied.
Uncoated and coated catheters
Catheters should be lubricated to minimise the friction between the catheter and the tissue in the urethra. You can get catheters that come with either a gel or a special surface treatment that activates with water (hydrophilic coating). The most advanced catheters are already immersed in water and can be used straight from the packaging.
What length to choose?
In general, your catheter needs to be a bit longer than the urethra, which is 15-20 cm in men and 3-4 cm in women. This is because the catheter eyelets are not placed at the tip of the catheter. You can get both standard and compact sizes. Men with an enlarged prostate might benefit from a slightly curved tip version (Tiemann).
How to find the right size catheter (diameter)
It is important to select the right size to obtain optimal bladder drainage. Most adults start with a catheter size 12–14 Ch (1 Ch = 0.33 mm diameter). Your doctor or nurse can help you to decide on the right size for you.