Ureteric trauma caused by urethral catheter insertion: case report and literature review

Urethral catheterization is one of the most common procedures in medical practice. Catheterization is not only restricted for urological purposes, but also used for many other indications. For instance, urethral catheterization could be used for intensive care unit patients, trauma and multiple fracture injuries, and advanced neurological condition e.g. multiple sclerosis. Therefore, it may be performed by both well trained and not fully trained medical professionals resulting in complications. We present an 82-year-old female presented to A&E with hematuria, abdominal pain and low catheter output drainage after recent catheter exchange by the district nurse. Interestingly, non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scan showed the catheter inserted into the left ureter and the catheter balloon was inflated at the level of the mid-ureter. Later contrast CT study showed extravasation confirming ureteric wall partial disruption injury. The patient was managed conservatively without apparent complications in the follow-up.