Incisional hernia after suprapubic catheterization

Abstract

Suprapubic catheterization is a popular method of bladder drainage after gynecologic surgery. We report two cases of incisional hernia that developed after suprapubic catheterization. The first case involved a 64-year-old woman who underwent Burch urethropexy. Her suprapubic catheter was not removed until postoperative day 55 because of prolonged retention. She presented 1 month later with abdominal pain. In the second case, a 65-year-old woman had vesicovaginal fistula repair with suprapubic catheterization for 2 weeks after surgery. Five months later, she presented with abdominal pain. In both cases, examination revealed a hernia at the catheter exit site. Incisional hernia is a rare complication of suprapubic catheterization that should be considered in patients who present with abdominal discomfort some time after catheterization.