What Are the Potential Health Effects of Catheter Use?
The health effects associated with catheter use largely depend on the type of catheter and the duration of its use. Short-term catheterization generally poses minimal risk. However, long-term use can lead to complications such as bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, and local tissue damage. These issues can result in systemic health effects if not properly managed. It is essential for healthcare providers to assess the risk-benefit ratio of catheter use in each individual case.