Massive encrustations as a consequence of longterm indwelling urethral catheter: A rare case report

Longterm indwelling urethral catheter can cause several complications such as lower urinary tract infections, tissue damage, pain, hemorrhage and encrustation of catheter leading to blockage. A 55- year old male presented with suprapubic pain for three months owing to poorly draining Foley catheter. He had undergone surgery for bladder calculi two and half a years back. He had been discharged with Foley catheter. He did not show up at the hospital for two and half years. The catheter was never changed during this period. Plain X-ray abdomen revealed a large encrustation with radiopacity surrounding the foley's bulb. Open suprapubic cystostomy was performed. The intact Foley catheter with encrusted bulb was removed. His postoperative period was uneventful. Surgical removal is the only treatment of choice for unusual massive encrustations in long-term indwelling urethral catheter. Minimally invasive technique is getting popularity, however we performed open cystostomy and removal due to the lack of expertise and instruments in our hospital setting. Catheterization under aseptic condition, frequent catheter change, early treatment of urinary infection and proper patient education on catheter hygiene are few methods that can reduce the complications of longterm indwelling urinary catheter.