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Difficult Urethral Catheterization

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Practical Tips in Urology

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Abstract

A difficult urethral catheterization (DUC) occurs when a urethral catheter cannot be advanced into the bladder after one or more attempts. Depending on the practice setting, using a 16–18 F Coudè catheter followed by a 12 F silicone catheter can solve most DUC cases. When catheterizing by an experienced practitioner fails, it is recommended to attempt placing a glidewire blindly. If urethral dilation is needed, using small (<14Fr) ureteral access sheaths is usually all is needed. Cystoscopy will be necessary for a small percentage of cases.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Urology, Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, 8200 Dodge Street, Omaha, 68114-4113, NE, USA

    Carlos Villanueva MD

Authors
  1. Carlos Villanueva MD
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Correspondence to Carlos Villanueva MD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, East Surrey Hospital, Redhill, United Kingdom

    Abhay Rané

  2. Department of Urology, Ege University School of Medicine, İzmir, Turkey

    Burak Turna

  3. Case Western University, University Hospitals Urology Institute, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Riccardo Autorino

  4. Urology, SLK Kliniken, Heilbronn, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

    Jens J. Rassweiler

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Villanueva, C. (2017). Difficult Urethral Catheterization. In: Rané, A., Turna, B., Autorino, R., Rassweiler, J. (eds) Practical Tips in Urology. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4348-2_12

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-4348-2_12

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-4347-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-4348-2

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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