Dear Editor,
Of late with the use of Indian made Foley's catheters non deflation of Foley's catheter bulb has become a common problem. Standard text books describe various methods like (i) cut the valve of the balloon (ii) injecting liquid paraffin down the main drainage channel (iii) passing urethral catheter stylet down the balloon channel (iv) puncture of balloon with 19g spinal needle passed suprapubically, transvaginally or transrectally.
However, in female patients, I have used a simpler and safer technique in over 20 cases in the last few years. The method is as follows:
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1.
Clean vulva with Savlon & saline
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2.
Place the patient in lithotomy position with thighs spread out.
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3.
With the left hand pull the Foleys catheter and keep it pulled with gentle traction.
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4.
With the gloved (right) hand, thin disposble syringe needle is passed along side the Foley's catheter per urethrally. Invariably the needle punctures the balloon and the fluid from balloon is seen coming out through the needle. The Foley's catheter comes out on its own with traction.