A novel technique to prevent Foley catheter loss following radical retropubic prostatectomy

Abstract

We describe a method to prevent Foley catheter loss following radical retropubic prostatectomy. In 84 consecutive patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy, a technique of securing the indwelling Foley catheter extracorporeally using a permanent stitch and a sterile button was utilized. No instances of unintended Foley catheter dislodgment were experienced in any of the 84 cases. The extracorporeal button was well tolerated by all patients, and there was no increased incidence of catheter-related complications. This technique provided the additional benefit of balloon volume adjustment in ten patients who experienced bladder spasms. This method is a simple, safe and well-tolerated adjunct to avoid Foley catheter loss following radical retropubic prostatectomy.