A technique for non-deflating balloon catheter removal in female patients

Abstract

Removing a foley catheter can sometimes be a challenge, especially when it is related to non-deflating balloons which represent most of the cases. In female patients, due to their urethral anatomy, several techniques have been proposed for balloon puncture when other maneuvers have failed. We present a simple technique for non-deflating balloon catheter removal in an old female patient with a permanent indwelling foley catheter which required no anesthesia. The balloon was effectively punctured with minimal patient's discomfort. In addition, this technique was tested in several ex-vivo model catheters and found to be safe and effective. Our technique can be used for non-deflating balloon puncture in female patients in an outpatient setting without anesthesia.