Retained Urethral Catheter: Novel Method of Removal Using Trans-rectal Ultrasound Guidance
N. P. Agwu *
Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.
A. Khalid
Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.
I. A. Mungadi
Department of Surgery, Urology Unit, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Urethral catheterization is a common procedure in medical practice. Retention of urethral catheter due to inability to deflate the balloon can be a distressing complication for the patient on prolonged indwelling urethral catheter. Several techniques have been devised for removal of such retained urethral catheters.
Objective: The aim of this study is to present our experience in the management of retained urethral catheters using trans-rectal ultrasound-guided balloon puncture at the Urology unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria.
Methods: This was a prospective case series of five men referred to the unit with non–deflatable urethral catheters between July 2013 and January, 2014.
Results: Five men were referred with retained urethral catheters. The mean age of the patients was 46.4 years with a range of 25-80 years. Indications for catheterization were benign prostatic hyperplasia, burns, and paraplegia. All had successful catheter removal by ultrasound-guided balloon puncture.
Conclusion: Retained urethral catheter can be successfully managed by trans-rectal ultrasound guided balloon puncture which is minimally invasive and does not require regional or general anaesthesia.
Keywords: Urethral catheterization complications, retained urethral catheter, trans-rectal ultrasound-guided removal.