Penile strangulation and necrosis due to condom catheter

Int Wound J. 2015 Jun;12(3):248-9. doi: 10.1111/iwj.12102. Epub 2013 Jun 11.

Abstract

Condom catheters are often used in the management of male urinary incontinence, and are considered to be safe. As condom catheters are placed on the male genitalia, sometimes adequate care is not taken after placement owing to poor medical care of debilitated patients and feelings of embarrassment and shame. Similarly, sometimes the correct size of penile sheath is not used. Strangulation of penis due to condom catheter is a rare condition; only few such cases have been reported in the literature. Proper application and routine care of condom catheters are important in preventing this devastating complication especially in a neurologically debilitated population. We present a case of penile necrosis due to condom catheter. We will also discuss proper catheter care and treatment of possible complications.

Keywords: Condom catheter; Penile necrosis; Strangulation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Constriction, Pathologic / complications
  • Constriction, Pathologic / surgery
  • Debridement
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Necrosis / etiology
  • Necrosis / surgery
  • Penile Diseases / etiology*
  • Penile Diseases / surgery
  • Penis / blood supply
  • Penis / injuries*
  • Penis / surgery
  • Skin Transplantation
  • Urinary Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Urinary Catheterization / instrumentation
  • Urinary Incontinence / therapy*
  • Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / methods*