Inability to pass a urethral catheter: the bedside role of the flexible cystoscope.

An all too common cause of urologic consultation is the inability to place a urethral catheter. Often other health care providers have unsuccessfully attempted catheter placement. Urethral false passages, perforations, and edema are common sequelae. Diseases such as urethral strictures, bladder neck contractures, and prostate cancer are often the underlying etiologies for failed catheterization. Traditionally, the use of filiforms and followers or the placement of a suprapubic tube is required to drain the lower urinary tract. Bedside flexible endoscopy was performed in this series not only to define the area and etiology of urethral obstruction, but also to facilitate catheter placement. Fifty-four patients were studied prospectively. Initial endoscopic assessment was based on bedside flexible cystoscopy. Most procedures were performed under topical lidocaine anesthetic. Under direct vision a 0.038 inch standard guide wire was directed through the area or areas of obstruction. Strictures, fibrosis, and false passages were dilated using a series of graduated Nottingham dilators over the guide wire. A Council-tipped urethral catheter was then placed over the guide wire to assure bladder drainage. In 52 of the 54 patients urethral obstructions were dilated and drainage catheters were placed into the bladder. No complications were encountered. This technique is simple, it avoids suprapubic puncture, and it minimizes unneeded trips to the operating room.