Ultrasound-guided suprapubic cystostomy catheter placement in the emergency department

Palliative semi-permanent abdominal drain for the management of refractory malignant ascites: a retrospective study in a comprehensive cancer center

PURPOSE

Refractory malignant ascites in the advanced palliative phase significantly impacts patients' quality of life (QoL), causing pain, respiratory difficulties, digestive issues, and impaired mobility. While iterative drainages can effectively relieve symptoms, frequent hospital visits and the significant volume of fluid requiring removal pose considerable challenges. A semi-continuous approach using a permanent bedside drain may offer more frequent drainages of smaller volumes. This study aimed to examine the feasibility, reliability, and safety of a semi-permanent bedside abdominal drain for patients in advanced palliative care with refractory malignant ascites.

METHODS

This is a retrospective study, with cases identified through computerized queries of digital patient records. Data collected included patient characteristics, biological parameters, procedure details, and end-of-life outcomes.

RESULTS

Between 2019 and 2024, this drain was proposed to 25 palliative care patients. They had received a median of three lines of oncological treatment, with 60% of them receiving exclusively palliative care at the time of drainage. Drain placement had a beneficial impact on disabling symptoms in over 92% of cases, allowing 60% of patients to return to home hospitalization, without requiring additional hospital visits for paracentesis. The median time between drain placement and end of life was 36.5 days [4;147], while the median time from the diagnosis of refractory ascites to death was 93.7 days [14;263].

CONCLUSION

A non-tunneled semi-permanent catheter, easily implanted at the patient's bedside, may improve QoL. This study serves as a pilot for a prospective cohort that will analyze QoL improvements and economic costs.

Renal and Genitourinary Ultrasound Evaluation in Emergency and Critical Care: An Overview

Renal and genitourinary ultrasound are fundamental resources employed by emergency and critical care healthcare providers to make prompt diagnoses and perform ultrasound-guided procedures. At the bedside, ultrasound can aid in the diagnosis of relevant pathologies, such as post-renal obstruction or kidney stones, and life-threatening conditions such as aortic dissection or hemoperitoneum. A narrative overview was performed, providing an updated review of renal and genitourinary ultrasound for emergency and critical care healthcare providers, emphasizing its advantages and the latest advances in the field. A thorough summary that can be utilized as a guide for emergency and critical care healthcare providers is presented. The daily hemodynamic management of critically ill patients involves the implementation of new protocols, such as VexUS or the evaluation of the renal resistance index. The role of ultrasound in managing acute nephropathy and genitourinary issues is increasingly crucial given its bedside availability, thus this imaging modality not only facilitates the initiation of therapeutic interventions but also provides swift prognostic insights that are vital to provide tailored patient care. As further advances in ultrasound will arise, it is important for healthcare providers to foster the use of these technologies capable of improving patient outcomes.

Clinical use and complications of percutaneous cystostomy pigtail catheters in 25 cats

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to describe the indications for percutaneous pigtail catheter placement in cats requiring urine diversion, and to report the associated intra- and postoperative complications.

METHODS

The medical records of cats that underwent percutaneous pigtail catheter placement for urine diversion between January 2011 and May 2021 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Twenty-five cats were included. Indications for pigtail catheter placement were medical management of obstructive urinary tract disease (n = 12), urinary tract damage after traumatic injury (n = 8) and neurological bladder dysfunction (n = 5). Catheters were in place for a median time of 8.28 days (range 3-27), and the duration of the catheter placement was not different between the medical, traumatic and neurological groups. Ten cats (40%) developed pigtail catheter complications including dislodgement, urine leakage, urinary tract infection and bladder rupture. The majority of complications were easily resolved and did not require surgical intervention.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results suggest that percutaneous pigtail catheter placement can facilitate urine diversion in both the emergency setting and in the long-term management of urine retention without many complications.

Point-of-care ultrasound in urology: Design and evaluation of a feasible introductory training program for Canadian residents

INTRODUCTION

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an increasingly used bedside tool. Applications in urology include the assessment of an undifferentiated acute scrotum, renal colic, and the guidance of suprapubic catheter placement. However, the user-dependent nature of this modality necessitates appropriate use and competence. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a low-cost, feasible, and guideline-based introductory POCUS program for Canadian urology residents.

METHODS

Residents from McMaster University's urology program completed a three-hour online course, followed by a three-hour hands-on seminar. Course material was developed by ultrasound educators based on national guidelines. Low-cost testicular phantoms and suprapubic catheter insertion models were constructed. Pre- and post-course surveys focused on participant skill confidence, while multiple-choice questionnaires assessed theoretical knowledge.

RESULTS

Fourteen residents participated in the course. Theoretical knowledge in POCUS improved significantly (p<0.001, d=2.2) and mean confidence scores improved for all skills, including performing kidney, bladder, and testicular POCUS (all p<0.001; d=3.4, 1.9, 2.9, respectively). Participants indicated that the course increased their confidence and likelihood of using POCUS in clinical practice, and that POCUS training should be integrated into urology training curricula.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel study included the development of an inexpensive, feasible, guideline-based introductory training program for urological POCUS, developed in collaboration with ultrasound educators. Participants significantly improved in theoretical knowledge and skill confidence. Although this study was limited to one residency program, the basis of this course may serve as a foundation for the development of competency-based training for urological POCUS in Canada.

Urinary Retention

Urinary retention is a common problem encountered in the emergency department. Acute urinary retention (AUR) presents as a sudden inability to voluntarily void, and is typically associated with lower abdominal pain. Its etiology can be varied and multifactorial. Treatment of AUR aims to relieve the obstruction and mitigate the underlying cause of retention. This can generally be accomplished in the emergency department without immediate urologic consultation; however, certain clinical features may require specialist involvement. This article provides an overview of the common causes of urinary retention, as well as emergency department evaluation, treatment, and disposition of patients with acute retention.

Combined Ultrasound and Cone Beam CT Improves Target Segmentation for Image Guided Radiation Therapy in Uterine Cervix Cancer

PURPOSE

Adaptive radiation therapy strategies could account for interfractional uterine motion observed in patients with cervix cancer, but the current cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based treatment workflow is limited by poor soft-tissue contrast. The goal of the present study was to determine if ultrasound (US) could be used to improve visualization of the uterus, either as a single modality or in combination with CBCT.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Interobserver uterine contour agreement and confidence were compared on 40 corresponding CBCT, US, and CBCT-US-fused images from 11 patients with cervix cancer. Contour agreement was measured using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean contour-to-contour distance (MCCD). Observers rated their contour confidence on a scale from 1 to 10. Pairwise Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to measure differences in contour agreement and confidence.

RESULTS

CBCT-US fused images had significantly better contour agreement and confidence than either individual modality (P < .05), with median (interquartile range [IQR]) values of 0.84 (0.11), 1.26 (0.23) mm, and 7 (2) for the DSC, MCCD, and observer confidence ratings, respectively. Contour agreement was similar between US and CBCT, with median (IQR) DSCs of 0.81 (0.17) and 0.82 (0.14) and MCCDs of 1.75 (1.15) mm and 1.62 (0.74) mm. Observers were significantly more confident in their US-based contours than in their CBCT-based contours (P < .05), with median (IQR) confidence ratings of 7 (2.75) versus 5 (4).

CONCLUSIONS

CBCT and US are complementary and improve uterine segmentation precision when combined. Observers could localize the uterus with a similar precision on independent US and CBCT images.

Ultrasound-guided placement of pigtail cystostomy tubes in dogs with urethral obstruction

BACKGROUND

Circumstances such as the inability to pass a retrograde urinary catheter or a lack of surgeon availability may prevent immediate relief of urethral obstruction in dogs. In such situations, a cystostomy tube may be placed with ultrasound guidance to allow urinary diversion until further treatment is possible.

KEY FINDINGS

A case of a 5-year-old male neutered Swiss Mountain dog with an obstructive urolith at the level of the os penis is used to describe the technique. Multiple attempts to pass a urinary catheter under sedation were unsuccessful. A pigtail cystostomy tube was placed with ultrasound guidance to allow urinary diversion. The dog was discharged from the hospital within 2 days after scrotal urethrostomy and the dog made a full recovery. Ultrasound-guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube was straightforward and without complications.

SIGNIFICANCE

Ultrasound-guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube may be beneficial as it is not technically challenging, can be performed rapidly, and may avoid the need for general anesthesia. Additionally, ultrasound is readily available and an inexperienced ultrasonographer can easily locate the urinary bladder. This report serves to provide a detailed technique of ultrasound-guided placement of a pigtail cystostomy tube in dogs for emergency urinary diversion.

Development and evaluation of a training model for paracentetic suprapubic cystostomy and catheterization

OBJECTIVES

Minimally invasive paracentetic suprapubic cystostomy is a technique that should be learned by all surgical trainees and residents. This study aimed to develop a self-made training model for paracentetic suprapubic cystostomy and placement of the suprapubic catheter and then to evaluate its effectiveness in training fourth-year medical students.

METHODS

Medical students were divided into an experimental group receiving comprehensive training involving literature, video, and model use and a control group receiving all the same training protocols as the experimental group except without hands-on practice using the model. Each student's performance was video-recorded, followed by subjective and objective evaluations by urology experts and statistical analysis.

RESULTS

All students completed the surgical procedures successfully. The experimental group's performance scores were significantly higher than those of the control group (median final performance scores of 91.0 vs. 86.8, respectively). Excellent scores were achieved by more students in the experimental group than in the control group (55% vs. 20%), and fewer poor scores were observed in the experimental group than in the control group (5% vs. 30%).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on its cost-effectiveness, reusability, and training effectiveness, this paracentetic suprapubic cystostomy training model is able to achieve goals in teaching practice quickly and easily. Use of the model should be encouraged for training senior medical students and resident physicians who may be expected to perform emergent suprapubic catheter insertion at some time.

Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy in resource-poor setting: A 7-year review

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous cystostomy techniques are usually done using disposable sets in developed countries which are not affordable in poor-resource settings. However, the percutaneous technique can be done using reusable trocar or selected big size surgical blades. This is simple, safe, and cost effective in poor-resource setting. The procedure is best done under ultrasound guidance but can also be done blindly in select cases. We present our 7-year experience in ultrasound-guided percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a 7-year retrospective review of patients, who had ultrasound-guided percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy at Urology Unit of our institution from January 2010 to December 2016. Disposable cystostomy sets were used for the initial experience, but this was replaced with more cost-effective reusable metallic trocar or selected big size surgical blade methods in the later experience. Data were extracted from procedure register and patients' case notes and entered into pro forma and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 20.0 version (2011) for windows (IBM, SPSS Incorporation, Chicago, IL, USA) 20.0 version for Windows.

RESULTS

A total number of 135 patients had percutaneous cystostomy, which was ultrasound guided in 134 patients (99.3%). The mean age of the patients was 50.5 ± 23.3 years with a range of 2-90 years. The indications for the procedure include urine retention with failed urethral catheterization in 119 patients (88.1%), urethral injury in 14 patients (10.4%), and urethrocutaneous fistula in 2 patients (1.5%) with spinal cord injury. No major complication was recorded.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided suprapubic cystostomy using reusable trocar or selected surgical blade is simple, safe, effective, and associated with minimal complications in poor-resource setting.

Acute Management of the Traumatically Injured Pelvis

Severe pelvic trauma is a challenging condition. The pelvis can create multifocal hemorrhage that is not easily compressible nor managed by traditional surgical methods such as tying off a blood vessel or removing an organ. Its treatment often requires reapproximation of bony structures, damage control resuscitation, assessment for associated injuries, and triage of investigations, as well as multimodality hemorrhage control (external fixation, preperitoneal packing, angioembolization, REBOA [resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta]) by multidisciplinary trauma specialists (general surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, endovascular surgeons/interventional radiologists). This article explores this complex clinical problem and provides a practical approach to its management.

First Irish and tenth case of small bowel obstruction secondary to suprapubic catheterisation in the world. Case report and case review of a rare complication of suprapubic catheterisation

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We are reporting a very rare complication of suprapubic catheterisation that is small bowel obstruction.

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Our case is first Irish and 10th global case of small bowel obstruction secondary to SPC.

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We also searched the literature to find similar reported cases to extract useful information from these cases, use this information to draw conclusions and make recommendations to avoid injuries in future.

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We found that significantly distended bladder, use of ultrasound and extra precaution in elderly patients can reduce the risk of damage to bowel.

Introduction

Percutaneous Suprapubic urinary bladder catheterisation (SPC) is a common procedure performed in cases of urinary retention where attempt to pass urethral catheter has failed. However, the procedure requires meticulous precision, vigilance and sound knowledge of anatomy, to avoid grave complications. We are reporting a very rare complication of Suprapubic catheterisation that is small bowel obstruction. Our case is first Irish and 10th global case of small bowel obstruction secondary to SPC.

Case presentation

Aim of this study was to report this rare complication of the SPC in our patient who was 88 years old retired farmer presenting to emergency department with small bowel obstruction. In our case after clinical examination diagnosis was made with CT scan. Laparoscopy done and found that SPC passed through mesentery before entering bladder and was released laparoscopically.

We also searched the literature to find similar reported cases to extract useful information from these cases and use this information to draw conclusions and make recommendations to avoid injuries in the future. Database search conducted in March 2017 on the bibliographic databases Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to November 2016) and EMBASE (1980 to November 2016) along with additional reference searching revealed only 9 reported cases of small bowel obstruction secondary to SPC.

Conclusions

From the extensive literature search we found that there are only nine cases reported so far globally, and our case is first Irish and tenth international case of bowel obstruction secondary to SPC. Significantly distended bladder, use of ultrasound and extra precaution in elderly patients can reduce the risk of damage to bowel.

The early management of gunshot wounds Part II: the abdomen, extremities and special situations

The management of gunshot wounds of the abdomen and extremities is evolving with centres who treat large volumes of such injuries tending to the application of a policy of selective non-operative management. This article discusses the management of gunshot wounds to the abdomen and extremities and reviews the evidence supporting these changing practices. Special situations such as wounding by shotguns or air rifles are also examined as are the special considerations needed when dealing with the gunshot injured pregnant women or in a child.

[Percutaneous cystostomy with Kelly clamp: indications, technique and results]

Introduction

Méthodes

Résultats

Conclusion

Critical urologic skills and procedures in the emergency department

The evaluation and management of genitourinary emergencies is a fundamental component of the training and practice of emergency physicians. Urologic procedures are common in the emergency room. Emergency physicians play a vital role in the initial evaluation and treatment because delays in management can lead to permanent damage. This article discusses the most common urologic procedures in which emergency physicians must be proficient for rapid intervention to preserve function and avoid complications. An overview of each procedure is discussed as well as indications, contraindications, equipment, technique, and potential complications.

Current trends in the management of difficult urinary catheterizations

Routine urinary catheter placement may cause trauma and poses a risk of infection. Male catheterization, in particular, can be difficult, especially in patients with enlarged prostate glands or other potentially obstructive conditions in the lower urinary tract. Solutions to problematic urinary catheterization are not well known and when difficult catheterization occurs, the risk of failed catheterization and concomitant complications increase. Repeated and unsuccessful attempts at urinary catheterization induce stress and pain for the patient, injury to the urethra, potential urethral stricture requiring surgical reconstruction, and problematic subsequent catheterization. Improper insertion of catheters also can significantly increase healthcare costs due to added days of hospitalization, increased interventions, and increased complexity of follow-up evaluations. Improved techniques for catheter placement are essential for all healthcare personnel involved in the management of the patient with acute urinary retention, including attending emergency physicians who often are the first physicians to encounter such patients. Best practice methods for blind catheter placement are summarized in this review. In addition, for progressive clinical practice, an algorithm for the management of difficult urinary catheterizations that incorporates technology enabling direct visualization of the urethra during catheter insertion is presented. This algorithm will aid healthcare personnel in decision making and has the potential to improve quality of care of patients.

Safe percutaneous suprapubic catheterisation

INTRODUCTION

We describe our technique of percutaneous suprapubic catheter insertion with special reference to steps that help to avoid common complications of haematuria and catheter misplacement.

METHODS

The procedure is performed using a stainless steel reusable trocar under local infiltrative anaesthesia, usually at the bedside. After clinical confirmation of a full bladder, the trocar is advanced into the bladder through a skin incision. Once the bladder is entered, the obturator is removed and the assistant inserts a Foley catheter followed by rapid balloon inflation. Slight traction is applied to the catheter for about five minutes. Patients with previous lower abdominal surgery, an inadequately distended bladder or acute pelvic trauma do not undergo suprapubic catheterisation using this method.

RESULTS

The procedure was performed in 72 men (mean age: 42.4 years, range: 18-78 years) with urinary retention with a palpable bladder. The average duration of the procedure was less than five minutes. No complications were noted in any of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Trocar suprapubic catheter insertion is a safe and effective bedside procedure for emergency bladder drainage and can be performed by resident surgeons. The common complications associated with the procedure can be avoided with a few careful steps.

Suprapubic catheter insertion using an ultrasound-guided technique and literature review

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? The conventional 'blind' technique for suprapubic catheter (SPC) insertion relies on adequate filling of the bladder to displace bowel away from the site of needle puncture. However, in a small percentage of patients this fails to happen, which can occasionally lead to life-threatening bowel injury. Recently published British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) guidelines have recommended that ultrasonography (US) may be helpful to identify bowel loops and recommends its usage whenever possible. This paper describes the technique of US-guided needle puncture and SPC insertion to reduce the likelihood of bowel injury. The paper addresses training, equipment and logistical issues associated with this advice. We have reviewed the available publications on the outcomes from this technique and also present our experience. Suprapubic catheter (SPC) insertion is a common method of bladder drainage in contemporary urological practice. The procedure involves insertion of a sharp trocar into the bladder percutaneously, usually by palpation, percussion or cystoscopy for guidance. Although generally considered a safe procedure, the risk of bowel injury is estimated at up to 2.4% with a mortality rate of 1.8%. Recently published British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) guidelines have recommended that ultrasonography (US) may be helpful to identify bowel loops and recommends its usage whenever possible. The present paper describes the use of US for SPC insertion and discusses the implications of this advice. This paper is designed to support and supplement practical techniques learnt on a course and in clinical practice.

A stone down below: a urethral stone causing acute urinary retention and renal failure

Impaction of a kidney stone in the male urethra is a rare sequela of an otherwise common disease process. Case reports of urethral stones in the recent literature are scarce. We report a case of a 48 year old man who presented with an impacted urethral stone as a complication of nephrolithiasis. The pathology was twice missed, even with computed tomography showing the stone in the prostatic urethra, which highlights the challenges of making this diagnosis. We review the existing literature outlining the pathogenesis, clinical features and therapeutic considerations as they relate to urethral stones. We underscore the role of the emergency physician in the diagnosis and initial management of this entity, and draw attention to the need to evaluate not just the upper but also the lower genitourinary tracts when interpreting computed tomographic images obtained for the diagnosis of renal colic.

Clinical application of percutaneous nephrostomy in some urologic diseases

Percutaneous nephrostomy was applied in some other urologic diseases and the efficacy was evaluated. Percutaneous nephrostomy for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) was performed in patients with various renal, perinephric and bladder diseases (n=79). The tract establishment, operation duration and complications were observed and the efficacy was assessed. The results showed that the tracts were successfully established in 79 cases. The operation lasted 4-20 min. 12F-16F single tract was established in nephrohydrop patients and 16F-20F single or multiple tracts were established in patients with pyonephrosis, renal cortical abscess, renal cyst and perinephric abscess. During dilation, no leakage of liquor puris was noted. Establishment of 18F single tract was achieved in one urinoma patient. In two patients with foreign body in kidney, the foreign bodies were removed via established 14F single tract. 18F tracts were established in 2 patients with bladder contracture, which was followed by the placement of 16F balloon urethral catheter for drainage. No complications, such as massive bleeding, intestinal injury and spreading of infection took place in our series. All the patients were followed up for 2-12 months. No long-term complications such as dropping of drainage tube occurred. It is concluded that as a minimally invasive technique, percutaneous nephrostomy has the advantages of convenience, simplicity and causing less complications and can be used for various urologic diseases.

Ultrasound-guided interventional radiology in critical care

Ultrasound-guided intervention is becoming an increasingly popular and valuable tool in the critical care setting. In general, image-guided procedures can expedite wait times and increase the accuracy, safety, and efficacy of many procedures commonly performed within intensive care units. In the intensive care unit setting, ultrasound has particular advantages over other imaging modalities such as computed tomography and fluoroscopy, including real-time visualization, portability permitting bedside procedures, and reduced exposure to nephrotoxic contrast agents. We review the technical and procedural aspects of a number of ultrasound-guided interventions appropriate for critical care patients. These include central venous catheter deployment, thoracentesis, paracentesis, and drainage of a wide variety of abscesses, and percutaneous nephrostomy, percutaneous cholecystectomy, and inferior vena cava filter placement. Although we believe ultrasound is significantly underutilized in critical care today, we anticipate that with the improvement of ultrasound technology and the innovation of new ultrasound-guided procedures, the role of ultrasound in the intensive care unit will continue to expand, with bedside ultrasound-guided interventions increasingly becoming the norm.