Managing the nondeflating urethral catheter.

BACKGROUND: Urethral catheterization is a routinely performed procedure in hospitalized patients. Numerous complications have been reported secondary to urethral catheter placement.

METHODS: The medical literature was searched using the following key words: "urethral catheter," "complications," and "management." A case report is described and a review of the literature is provided to assist in managing the nondeflating urethral catheter balloon.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: All physicians who order urethral catheters must be aware of the possibility of a nondeflating catheter balloon and be comfortable with its initial management. The literature has an abundance of techniques for managing the nondeflating urethral catheter balloon. The approach and algorithm provided serve as a guide for the management of this complication by the family physician.