Inappropriate placement of urinary catheters into the ureter: A case report and literature review

Urinary catheterization is a common and generally safe procedure, but misplacement into the ureter can lead to serious complications. This article presents a case report and a literature review of 39 similar cases to emphasize preventive measures and management strategies. The review found that female gender, neurological conditions, and long-term catheterization are predominant risk factors for ureteral cannulation. Early detection is crucial to prevent severe complications, especially in patients with neurogenic bladder or spinal cord injuries. The study outlines various management strategies, including catheter change, cysto-ureteroscopy, interventional radiology procedures, and surgical repair, depending on the severity of the complications. It also provides practical advice on preventing misplacement during catheter insertion.

• 1
  Female gender, neurologic conditions, and long-term catheterization were identified as predominant risk factors for ureteral cannulation.
• 2
  Common symptoms of ureteral cannulation included flank pain (46%), fever (31%), and oliguria (27%). Complications varied, including acute pyelonephritis (35%), acute kidney injury (27%), and urosepsis (21%).
• 3
  More than half of the patients (58%) were managed through catheter change, while 27% underwent cysto-ureteroscopy with or without balloon puncture or ureteral stenting.