Transrectal Ultrasound-Guided Transperineal Puncture: A Viable Alternative for Difficult Removal of an Indwelling...

The inability to remove an indwelling urethral catheter in a postrobot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) patient constitutes a serious problem to the urologist. If the proper deflation of the catheter balloon is not observed, forcible extraction can lead to devastating consequences such as urethral disruption and subsequent stricture formation. A 60-year-old male patient developed lower urinary-tract symptoms 20 months after robotic prostatectomy for early prostate cancer. Cystourethroscopy revealed a migrated Hemo-lok clip that was extracted near the anastomotic site, followed by insertion of an indwelling Foley catheter. Two weeks later, the patient accidentally pulled the catheter into the urethra. Several attempts were done to deflate the catheter, which failed. Subsequently, a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided transperineal puncture was done to deflate the catheter balloon followed by effective catheter removal. TRUS-guided transperineal puncture (under local anesthesia) of an indwelling catheter balloon is a viable alternative for patients who have a history of RALP.