Hydronephrosis Due to Improper Condom Catheter Use

ABSTRACT

This report concerns a patient with bilateral hydronephrosis due to a tight external condom catheter retention strap. Urodynamics with fluoroscopy and cystoscopy failed to demonstrate bladder outlet obstruction, urethral stricture, uretero-vesicle junction abnormality, or other explanations for the bilateral hydronephrosis. The hydronephrosis resolved when the external condom catheter retention strap was eliminated. The authors emphasize the importance of patient education to prevent this problem and encourage alertness by clinicians to assess appropriateness of external condom catheter use. (J Am Paraplegia Soc; 17: 168–170)

Keywords:

• complications
• external condom catheter
• hydronephrosis
• vesico-ureteral reflux
• spinal cord injury