Will a woman with a cesium implant have a Foley catheter?

A woman with a cesium implant will indeed have a Foley catheter due to several important reasons related to her medical condition and treatment. Cesium implants are used in brachytherapy for certain cancers, typically cervical cancer, and are placed directly within or near a tumor.

When a cesium implant is in place, there is a high risk of some complications, particularly due to the proximity of the implant to the bladder and urinary tract. A Foley catheter serves several critical functions in this scenario. It helps to ensure proper urinary drainage, which is essential because the presence of the implant can irritate the bladder or obstruct normal urinary flow. Additionally, using a catheter minimizes the risk of the patient needing to get up frequently to urinate, thus reducing her movement and potential risk of dislodging the cesium source.

In many cases, the Foley catheter remains in place throughout the duration when the cesium implant is active, ensuring that the patient is comfortable and that there are no complications related to urinary retention or infection. This approach helps manage the patient's overall care effectively while addressing the specific needs that arise from the treatment.