A Foley catheter is a soft, flexible tube placed through the urethra and into the bladder to provide continuous urine drainage. Once the catheter reaches the bladder, a small balloon near its tip is filled with sterile fluid to keep the catheter securely in position. Urine then flows through the tube into a collection bag. A Foley catheter may be needed after surgery, during an episode of urinary retention, or while the urinary tract heals. Because it is intended to be temporary, your care team will monitor when it can safely be removed. Instructions are provided for keeping the catheter and drainage system clean and functioning properly.