The main purpose of catheterization is to achieve what?

The main purpose of catheterization is to relieve urinary retention. Catheterization involves the insertion of a thin tube, known as a catheter, into the bladder through the urethra. This procedure is primarily employed when a patient is unable to empty their bladder naturally due to various medical conditions, such as urinary tract obstruction, spinal cord injury, or postoperative recovery.

By relieving urinary retention, catheterization helps prevent complications such as bladder overdistension, infections, and damage to the bladder muscles. It allows for the complete drainage of urine, thereby alleviating discomfort and reducing the risk of further complications. While catheterization can also facilitate obtaining urine samples, measuring urine output, and delivering medication indirectly through catheterization types designed for such purposes, its primary and most critical function in a medical context is to relieve urinary retention.