Urological concerns: Should trans-urethral catheter be located over or under the thigh?

Introduction: Bladder catheterization is a c practice after several surgical procedures; a wrong trans-urethral catheter position can affect the outcomes of some urological maneuvers. We assess with a physical model the variation of intra-vesical pressures due to different locations of the catheter. Materials and methods: Using a plastic bag fulfilled with 51 of normal saline, we try to reproduce bladder condition assessing pressures in case of catheter located over Or Under the thigh. Results: In case of catheter over the thigh, the flow of liquid is not allowed, and only a pressure of 23 cm of water induces the passage Of fluid. Conclusion: A wrong catheter position may adversely affect intravesical pressures; this finding has to be taken into consideration, especially when dealing with post-urological Surgery catheterization. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.