Newly Diagnosed: How to avoid leakage with catheter?

Hello @niesie13. My husband had that diagnosis back in 2019. Lots of procedures and catheters since then. Is the leakage around the catheter? My husband never had that so perhaps catheter size and balloon fill could make a difference.? Something to mention to doctor/nurse at next procedure. I would definitely ask for an antispasmodic. At Mayo Clinic he was prescribed one with each TURBT. They also prescribed a topical lidocaine gel for pain at tip of penis with longstanding catheters. He pretty much went to using men's Depends briefs when wearing a catheter, and alternated between the catheter bag and a leg bag when out. There are adhesive pads for men also, for use with underwear, but the briefs may be more comfortable. His tumor was muscle invasive and he ended up with radical cystectomy with neobladder. Lots of complications, but cancer free now and OK with the new normal of self catheterization. Always keep in mind the option for a second opinion if you aren't comfortable with your options. There are newer treatments that were not even available yet for my husband, and others approved as they show good response. Be strong and stay positive.

Thank you so much for your response. My husband just received his diagnosis last week but we were not surprised since he had heavy bleeding when he urinated, about three weeks ago. He has had blood in his urine tests for a year but the first cystoscopy was negative. I am no longer confident in that doctor so we have switched. Since then he had a sonogram, a CAT scan and a cystoscopy. In two weeks he'll actually have the TURBT. Once the cells tumors are analyzed they will know more about what type of treatment to start off with and also if it was invasive. He told us that inserting BCG into the bladder once a week for six weeks is the gold standard if it is not invasive. If it is, I'm not sure if they will still do that first and then follow up with radiation and chemo. So we are on hold until the pathology comes back. As far as the catheter you have given me good advice. My husband had the spasms and leakage over a year ago when he had a Urolift for an enlarged prostate. The catheter was only in for four days but it was the longest four days because of all the mess. We will definitely ask for an antispasmodic and the Lidocaine!! We weren't sure if the depends briefs would tug at the catheter more than the pads for men. I am so sorry about all of the complications with your husband but I am so glad he is cancer free now. I am preparing for it to be invasive since I think it has been growing for at least a year if not longer and it is a high grade tumor which was determined by the cystoscopy and maybe the CAT scan appearance. I am sure the cystectomy and neobladder construction was quite a complicated surgery but worth it in the end to cure the cancer. Again thank you so much for responding and I hope it's okay if I contact you again if I have a question and yes, if we are not confident in the treatment plan and want a second opinion we won't hesitate.