What type of urinary catheter is inserted directly into the bladder via the urethra?

A Foley catheter is specifically designed to be inserted into the bladder through the urethra. This type of catheter consists of a flexible tube that is placed into the bladder to allow for the drainage of urine. The key feature of a Foley catheter is that it has a balloon at the tip, which, once in place, is inflated to keep it securely within the bladder, preventing it from slipping out.

This method of catheterization is commonly used in various medical situations, such as during surgeries or for patients who are unable to urinate naturally. It allows for continuous or intermittent drainage and can be an essential tool for monitoring urinary output in patients.

In contrast, G-tubes and J-tubes are types of feeding tubes that are used for nutritional support and have no function related to the urinary system. Suprapubic catheters are inserted through the abdominal wall directly into the bladder, bypassing the urethra entirely. Thus, the Foley catheter is uniquely suited for direct insertion through the urethra for urine drainage.