Insertion of an indwelling urinary catheter can damage the urethra.
Patient selection: indwelling urinary catheter (Foley catheter)
Damage to the urethra can occur if the inflation pressure is >= 120 kPa.
Risk factors:
(1) the person inserting the catheter is inexperienced
(2) the patient is unconscious or insensitive (spinal cord injury)
(3) the catheter does not have a safety valve to avoid overpressures
(4) difficult insertion (stricture, anatomical variant, etc)
Injuries to the urethra can arise if:
(1) the catheter balloon is inflated within the urethra by accident
(2) penetration of the urethral wall with creation of a false passage
Complications:
(1) urethral rupture
(2) penile gangrene
(3) urethral stricture
(4) infection
