Continuous Bladder Irrigation (CBI)

Continuous bladder irrigation (CBI) delivers sterile fluid into the bladder through a three-way indwelling urinary catheter while drainage leaves through a separate lumen. One channel inflates the balloon, one permits irrigation, and one carries urine, blood, and clots to the collection bag. CBI is used when gross hematuria, existing clots, or the risk of clot formation could block the catheter. The fluid dilutes blood and carries debris out of the bladder, preserving catheter drainage. It does not stop the bleeding source or replace treatment of the underlying urological problem. Sterile 0.9% sodium chloride is the usual irrigation solution. Anticoagulants or other pharmacological additives are not routine; they require a specific prescription, appropriate drug information, and adherence to the applicable formulary and policy. Do not initiate CBI in the presence of a known bladder perforation, active urinary infection with uncontrolled sepsis, severe obstructive uropathy, or a known allergy to the prescribed solution. These findings require prescriber or urological review rather than an improvised irrigation plan.