Massive encrustations as a consequence of longterm indwelling urethral catheter: A rare case report

Abstract

Longterm indwelling urethral catheter can cause several complications such as lower urinary tract infections, tissue damage, pain, hemorrhage and encrustation of catheter leading to blockage. A 55- year old male presented with suprapubic pain for three months owing to poorly draining Foley catheter. He had undergone surgery for bladder calculi two and half a years back. He had been discharged with Foley catheter. He did not show up at the hospital for two and half years. The catheter was never changed during this period. Plain X-ray abdomen revealed a large encrustation with radiopacity surrounding the foley's bulb. Open suprapubic cystostomy was performed. The intact Foley catheter with encrusted bulb was removed. His postoperative period was uneventful.Surgical removal is the only treatment of choice for unusual massive encrustations in long-term indwelling urethral catheter. Minimally invasive technique is getting popularity, however we performed open cystostomy and removal due to the lack of expertise and instruments in our hospital setting. Catheterization under aseptic condition, frequent catheter change, early treatment of urinary infection and proper patient education on catheter hygiene are few methods that can reduce the complications of longterm indwelling urinary catheter.

Study of factors influencing the encrustation of indwelling catheters: prospective case series

“…The total duration of catheterisation did not have any relationship to encrustation, provided the catheter was changed frequently. On the other hand, single catheter kept for more than 15 days showed more incidence of encrustation [5].…”

Effect of Implementing Evidence Based Nursing Guideline on Nurses’ Performance Related to Care Providing for Children at Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

“…It is instilled into the bladder to dissolve alkaline crystals or remove debris from bladder and catheter lumen to remain patent and draining (24) . 11:Kinetic bed therapy decreases the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia and improves outcomes in critically ill mechanically ventilated child, decreases duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay as well as hospital length of stay complications (26) .…”