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A serious complication of vesical ether instillation: ether cystitis
B Gattegno1, F Michel, P Thibault
1Clinique Urologique, Hopital Tenon, Paris, France.
The Journal of Urology
|February 1, 1988
Summary
Ether cystitis, a bladder inflammation, can occur after using ether to dissolve Foley catheter balloons. Mechanical disruption is recommended over ether dissolution to prevent severe bladder damage and the need for reconstructive surgery.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Medical Device Complications
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Foley catheter balloons are commonly used for urinary retention.
- Ether is sometimes employed to dissolve difficult Foley catheter balloons.
- Complications associated with ether dissolution are rarely reported.
Observation:
- A fourth case of ether cystitis is presented.
- The patient developed severe bladder lesions after ether balloon dissolution.
- Ileocystoplasty was necessitated to maintain normal micturition function.
Findings:
- Ether dissolution of Foley catheter balloons can lead to severe iatrogenic bladder injury.
- The resulting cystitis may necessitate extensive surgical intervention.
- This case highlights a significant risk associated with a specific medical procedure.
Implications:
- Clinicians should avoid using ether for Foley catheter balloon dissolution.
- Mechanical disruption methods are safer alternatives for balloon removal.
- This underscores the importance of reviewing and updating medical device protocols to enhance patient safety.