A Case Report of Urethral Trauma Due to Chronic Foley Usage in a Spina Bifida Patient

Key Words: urethral trauma; Foley catheter; suprapubic catheter; catheter placement; spinal cord injury; healthcare Abstract: Urethral trauma is a relatively rare condition that is more often associated with blunt trauma such as those patients involved in motor vehicle accidents and pelvic fractures; however, urethral trauma can be the result of catherization. In order to avoid urethral damage, it is essential to stress proper Foley placement in both those patients who practice self-catheterization and in healthcare workers. For those individuals who have suffered a spinal cord injury and need to be catharized, further precautions need to be taken due to their inability to feel below the waist. This particular case report centers on a female patient with a posterior urethral tear from chronic Foley usage who initially presented with leakage around the catheter