British Journal of Urology (1991), 68, 108-109
© 1991 British Journal of Urology
Use of a straw for Suprapubic Stab Puncture – an Alternative Method
A.G. Tilak, Dept of Surgery, J.J. Hospital, Bombay, India
The technique of suprapubic stab puncture has been used in 80 cases. The use of a straw to introduce a large sized Foley’s catheter is considerably cheaper than using a sophisticated peel-away sheath introducer.
Using a straw as a third outer sheath over the commonly used Reuter trocar cannula provides all the features of a peel-away sheath introducer and is cost-effective alternative method.
Technique
The instruments include a Reuter trocar cannula No. 16F (Storz) and a straw (easily available in restaurants etc). The plastic straw is cut into two equal halves. Each slides easily over the cannula and the length is adequate (slightly shorter than the cannula). The instruments are sterilized with Cidex solution for 20 to 30 minutes. The procedure is carried out under local anaesthesia. A small stab incision is made. The trocar and the cannula with the half straw are slid over as the outermost sheath is introduced into the bladder. The trocar and the cannula are withdrawn. A gush of urine through the straw confirms entry. A 16F Foley’s catheter is introduced through the straw. As the catheter starts draining urine, the balloon is inflated. The straw is withdrawn from the wound, cut longitudinally over the catheter, removed and discarded.
