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Background <p>The Foley’s catheter (FC), initially designed for bladder drainage in urology, has evolved into a versatile tool with multiple off-label applications in Otolaryngology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Its cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and adaptability make it valuable in managing trauma, infections, hemorrhage, and deformities and many more scenarios.</p> Objectives <p>This study aims to document and analyze unconventional clinical uses of FC in Otolaryngology and maxillofacial surgery.</p> Methodology <p>Key applications of FC include stabilizing zygomatic arch fractures via balloon support, maintaining orbital floor repair with antral balloon inflation, and controlling posterior epistaxis using FC as a nasal pack. Additionally, FC is used as a modified drain for deep space infections, a tourniquet in lip hemangioma surgery, a nasal conformer post-cleft lip repair, and for pediatric esophageal foreign body retrieval.</p> Results <p>The present study describes and illustrates alternative uses of FC supported by clinical and literature evidence.</p> Conclusion <p>The Foley’s catheter remains a reliable, multipurpose adjunct, especially in resource-limited settings with minimal complications. Its diverse applications demonstrate the importance of surgical innovation in repurposing existing tools. Further exploration may uncover additional uses, reinforcing the FC’s role as an invaluable instrument in maxillofacial and otolaryngologic surgery.</p>

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Foley Catheter: A Versatile Tool in an Otolaryngologist's Armamentarium

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月23日

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  • Ajay Das Thulasidas,
  • Minerva Singh,
  • Sanjeev Kumar,
  • Pournami Bindu

摘要

Background

The Foley’s catheter (FC), initially designed for bladder drainage in urology, has evolved into a versatile tool with multiple off-label applications in Otolaryngology and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Its cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and adaptability make it valuable in managing trauma, infections, hemorrhage, and deformities and many more scenarios.

Objectives

This study aims to document and analyze unconventional clinical uses of FC in Otolaryngology and maxillofacial surgery.

Methodology

Key applications of FC include stabilizing zygomatic arch fractures via balloon support, maintaining orbital floor repair with antral balloon inflation, and controlling posterior epistaxis using FC as a nasal pack. Additionally, FC is used as a modified drain for deep space infections, a tourniquet in lip hemangioma surgery, a nasal conformer post-cleft lip repair, and for pediatric esophageal foreign body retrieval.

Results

The present study describes and illustrates alternative uses of FC supported by clinical and literature evidence.

Conclusion

The Foley’s catheter remains a reliable, multipurpose adjunct, especially in resource-limited settings with minimal complications. Its diverse applications demonstrate the importance of surgical innovation in repurposing existing tools. Further exploration may uncover additional uses, reinforcing the FC’s role as an invaluable instrument in maxillofacial and otolaryngologic surgery.