Urethral Catheterization of Buried Penis in Obese Patients: a Novel Technique and Literature Review

Obes Surg. 2018 Oct;28(10):3348-3351. doi: 10.1007/s11695-018-3390-x.

Abstract

Background: Urethral catheterization is a common procedure in daily medical practice and most medical staff are trained for the procedure. Buried penis in morbid obese patients with scrotal edema makes urethral catheterization challenging and sometimes fails. Different methods have been published to overcome the urethral catheterization difficulties in buried penis of obese patients.

Methods: A 51-year-old morbidly obese male patient presented with urine retention. On inspection of his external genitalia, there was no penile shaft seen and the penis was buried within the cavity between pubic fat and severely edematous scrotum. To overcome the urethral catheterization difficulties, we used a laryngoscope which helps in visualization of the glans and external urethral meatus. The figures demonstrate the technique used.

Results: Successful urethral catheterization under direct visualization was achieved.

Conclusions: The technique is well tolerated by patients and increases the overall likelihood of successful urethral catheterization.

Keywords: Buried penis; Difficult catheterization; Obesity; Urethral catheterization.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genital Diseases, Male / complications
  • Genital Diseases, Male / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity, Morbid / complications*
  • Obesity, Morbid / pathology
  • Obesity, Morbid / therapy*
  • Penile Diseases / complications
  • Penile Diseases / therapy*
  • Penis / abnormalities
  • Penis / pathology*
  • Urinary Catheterization / methods*
  • Urinary Retention / complications
  • Urinary Retention / therapy*

Supplementary concepts

  • Penis agenesis