Further experience with suprapubic drainage by trocar catheter

In 1972 a preliminary report described the use of a large-bore (Nos. 12 and 16 Fr.) vinyl catheter, which contained a steel trocar within its lumen, in repair of cystourethrocele in 86 patients. Further experience in an additional 158 patients undergoing cystourethrocele repair, and a variety of other gynecologic procedures, is now evaluated. The prototype of a sharp, beveled, cutting-edge trocar tip proved to increase substantially the ease of insertion. Problems of design and production of the catheter were encountered and corrected. Two points of technique, (1) insertion of the catheter prior to the surigcal procedure and (2) use of the two-hand method, are advocated. The trocar catheter was found to be a simple, practical, and safe instrument for suprapubic bladder drainage.