Abstract
Background:
Urethral catheterization is a common procedure, with a low complication rate. Aberrant catheterization into a ureter is a rare complication. We present a case of an aberrant urethral catheterization into the right ureter in a postpartum female.
Case Presentation:
An 18-year-old primigravida female presented with loin pain and catheter bypassing after a postpartum urethral catheterization. Examination under anesthesia and cystoscopy revealed the catheter leading into the right ureter, which was confirmed by subsequent CT urogram. Multiple attempts to remove the catheter failed. A rigid ureteroscopy was performed, revealing “kinking” of the catheter just distal to the balloon, as a result of an asymmetrical inflated balloon. A laser fiber inserted through the ureteroscope punctured the balloon, allowing balloon deflation and catheter removal under screening. A relook ureteroscopy 8 weeks later confirmed a healed ureter.
Conclusion:
Asymmetric catheter balloon inflation causes kinking of a catheter and occlusion of the balloon port that will prohibit balloon deflation. During rigid ureteroscopy, a laser fiber can be used to puncture the catheter balloon, allowing balloon deflation and catheter removal.
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