A technique for the removal of retained balloon bladder catheters

Balloon catheters are widely used for bladder drainage in a variety of clinical settings. Occasionally the balloon resists all attempts at deflation by the usual methods or may be only partially deflated and cannot be removed. Numerous methods have been described for the removal of such catheters including overdistending the balloon until it bursts, traction on the catheter, injecting the balloon with chemicals (Pitt, 1970), blind suprapubic balloon puncture (Moskovich, 1984), suprapubic balloon puncture under X-ray control (Moisey & Williams, 1980), insertion of a ureteric catheter styletinto the balloon channel (Sood & Sahota, 1972) and puncture of the balloon via the suprapubic approach under transabdominal ultrasound control (Rees & Joseph, 1981; Higgins & Mace, 1984; Naunton Morgan et al, 1986).