Successfully Deflating a Stubborn Foley Catheter Balloon With Mineral Oil

Indwelling Foley catheters are commonly used in the healthcare setting for urinary tract management both acutely and chronically, but are associated with multiple complications that require emergency department intervention. We report an 81-year-old male patient with a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia who presented to the emergency department with a nondeflating catheter balloon and the successful removal of the catheter after use of mineral oil to deflate the balloon after failure of other conservative measures that are considered first-line in the medical literature. The patient was subsequently able to pass a spontaneous voiding trial and was discharged from the emergency department in stable condition. This case highlights a practical approach to consider in the case of nondeflating Foley catheter balloons that can be used in the home health, ambulatory care, and emergency department settings.