Simple procedure for the removal of a non-deflating balloon bladder catheter: two cases

Abstract

The occurrence of a non-deflating balloon catheter in the bladder is uncommon (Higgins & Mace, 1984). When all other routine urological methods of deflating the balloon have failed (Pitt, 1970) the aid of the radiologist should be sought so as to perform percutaneous balloon puncture (Rees & Joseph, 1981). We report two patients, who presented to our hospital within 10 days of each other, for whom initial attempts at deflating the balloons had been unsuccessful. A 61-year-old hemiplegic male with a long-term, self-retaining balloon catheter which had become completely obstructed presented to our hospital. Attempts to free the obstruction were unsuccessful and it was therefore decided to remove the catheter.