Innovative option for removal of encrusted, incarcerated longstanding indwelling Foleys catheter

Abstract

Encrustation of indwelling Foley’s catheter is one of the common complication associated with long term indwelling catheter, encrusted catheter are often incarcerated and difficult to remove. Many methods have been evolved to remove stuck urethral catheter but each has its own complications. Here we have described a case of 90 year old male patient with chronic indwelling (7 months) Foley urethral catheter, who presented with chronic urinary retention. After initial bladder drainage with 8 Fr feeding tube by the side of catheter. Massive encrustation was fragmented by performing laser cyst lithotripsy with 6/7.5 Fr semi rigid ureter scope and 30 Watt Holmium laser. Catheter was removed intact and stone fragments evacuated. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. Surgical removal with minimally invasive technique should be treatment of choice for encrusted and stucked urethral catheter. Traditional technique of performing suprapubic cystostomy for removal of Foleys catheter are associated with various complications and should be reserved for hospital with limited facilities.