Approach to difficult urethral catheterizations in male patients during the Covid-19 pandemic

Background/Aim: Difficult urethral catheterization (DUC) is a frequent urological emergency in daily practice. Anticoagulant and antiaggregant drugs, included the treatment protocols for COVID-19, tend to increase risk of possible complications alternative interventions, such as cystoscopy suprapubic percutaneous cystostomy. Therefore, less invasive method needed patients with DUC. This study aims evaluate results Foley catheter insertion dilatation over hydrophilic guidewire Methods: A total 23 male who visited urology outpatient clinic or were referred due urinary retention inability place last 8 months this case series. The patient charts evaluated retrospectively. After guidewire, blindly advanced from meatus under sterile conditions, reached bladder, was placed guidewire. In cases stricture, performed help S-Curve dilators, suitable diameter placed. Results: successfully 22 out patients. Urethral 13 transurethral other 10 without need dilatation. Although most our (17 patients) receiving anticoagulant during procedure, no significant hemorrhagic occurred. could not be one technique; cystostomy instead. Conclusion: study, conducted COVID-19 pandemic, show that technique safe successful. We believe will useful preventing additional surgical interventions complications, especially pandemic.