Knotted urethral catheter: an unusual complication in adults

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Oct 10:2017:bcr2017221498. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2017-221498.

Abstract

Knotting of feeding tubes or urinary catheters has been reported as a rare complication in paediatrics when draining the bladder. This is caused by inserting thin flexible tubes too far in, allowing it to coil. We present a case of a 70-year-old woman who was catheterised during a routine spinal surgery, and the catheter coiled and balloon failed to deflate requiring a cystostopic approach to puncture the balloon and remove it. Awareness of this complication in female catheterisation and education on length of catheter insertion is important to avoid this.

Keywords: catheterisation / catheter care; urological surgery; urology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cystoscopy / methods*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Postoperative Complications / surgery*
  • Punctures / methods*
  • Urinary Bladder / surgery
  • Urinary Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Urinary Catheterization / instrumentation
  • Urinary Catheterization / methods
  • Urinary Catheters / adverse effects*