Continence: sizing and fitting a penile sheath.
Male patients suffering from urinary incontinence can benefit from being fitted with a penile sheath and drainage bag rather than using incontinence pads or having to have an indwelling catheter to treat or manage their problem. In selecting a penile sheath it is important to select the correct size of sheath to fit onto the shaft of penis and length of sheath. A penile sheath fitted too small may cause problems not only in drainage of urine but also by restricting blood circulation to the shaft of the penis. A penile sheath fitted too large will cause creases to form, allowing urine leakage and causing the sheath to fail and fall off. This article explains what is required before fitting a penile sheath, examines various sheaths and alternatives, and how to fit one correctly.
Robinson
John
J
Continence Advisory Service, Morecambe Bay Primary Care Trust. john.robinson@mbpct.nhs.uk
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000269:Adhesives; D000886:Anthropometry / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D018579:Patient Selection; D010413:Penis; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014549:Urinary Incontinence / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000269:Adhesives