Penile laceration from a Foley catheter

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Geriatric Medicine
• Medical Device Complications

Background:

• Indwelling Foley catheterization is common in elderly patients.
• Penile laceration is a previously unreported complication of long-term Foley catheter use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report traction-induced penile lacerations as a complication of long-term indwelling Foley catheterization.
• To describe the presentation, treatment, and prevention of this injury.

Main Methods:

• Observation of four cases of penile laceration in three elderly, demented patients on a Geriatric Evaluation Unit.
• Review of injury mechanism, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Four instances of penile laceration occurred due to prolonged traction on unsecured Foley catheters.
• Injuries ranged from median raphe lacerations to a nearly complete transverse glans laceration.
• Local treatment facilitated healing in all cases without systemic illness.

Conclusions:

• Traction-induced penile laceration is a preventable complication of indwelling Foley catheterization.
• Prevention involves securing the catheter, supporting the drainage system, and appropriate patient positioning.