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Sarver J, Shanholtzer A, Palka J. Review of difficult foley catheterization: Why the use of Coudé catheters are not standard nursing protocol. World J Transl Med 2026; 12(4): 127178 [DOI: 10.5528/wjtm.127178]
World J Transl Med. Nov 28, 2026; 12(4): 127178 Published online Nov 28, 2026. doi: 10.5528/wjtm.127178
Review of difficult foley catheterization: Why the use of Coudé catheters are not standard nursing protocol
Jordan Sarver, Andrew Shanholtzer, Josh Palka
Jordan Sarver, Andrew Shanholtzer, Josh Palka, Department of Urology, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI 48201, United States
Author contributions: Sarver J, Shanholtzer A, and Palka J contributed equally in data collection, drafting of manuscript, and editing of manuscript/figures.
AI contribution statement: No AI tools were used in the drafting of this manuscript or completing the research discussed.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest to disclose.
Corresponding author: Jordan Sarver, DO, Department of Urology, Detroit Medical Center, Harper Professional Building 4160 John R St. Suite 1017, Detroit, MI 48201, United States. j.sarver1011@gmail.com
Received: August 26, 2026 Revised: September 10, 2026 Accepted: October 9, 2026 Published online: November 28, 2026 Processing time: 70 Days and 7.2 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: Difficult and traumatic urethral catheterizations are common consultations among urologists. Coudé tip catheters were initially created in the 18th and 19th century and are used for difficult catheter insertion, mostly in males with enlarged prostates. Multiple quality improvement projects have been published surrounding the education of nurses with placement of Coudé catheters. Overall, we find the use of a Coudé catheter as an area of interest in nursing and urological care. However, there seems to be a difference in nursing practice across institutions regarding the comfort and ability to use Coudé catheters. We hope this discussion can continue to bring education and decreased patient cost and morbidity through quality improvement.
