Urethral catheter trapped in the ureter removed using holmium laser: An unusual case and review of the literature

Abstract

Inadvertent placement of a urethral catheter into the ureter is a rare but documented complication of catheterisation. Management becomes more challenging when the catheter cannot be removed using conservative techniques. We present the case of an 85-year-old male with a history of bladder cancer treated with intravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) therapy who was found to have a urethral catheter stuck in his left ureter on computerized tomography scan after a routine catheter change. The catheter balloon was punctured using ureteroscopy and Holmium laser. Our literature review identified five other cases where a misguided urethral catheter required surgical intervention for removal from the ureter and the different techniques used are discussed. Risk factors appear to be pregnancy and structural changes to the bladder resulting in widened ureteric orifices including BCG therapy. We suggest that laser puncture of an inflated catheter balloon is a safe and effective method for facilitating removal. Level of evidence: 4