A PEEL AWAY SHEATH ENDOSCOPIC TECHNIQUE FOR DIFFICULT PEDIATRIC URETHRAL INTUBATION PROBLEMS

Purpose: We describe a useful technique for overcoming difficult pedia tric urethral intubation problems. Materials and Methods: An 8F pediat ric urethroscope is passed through a peel away sheath, advanced throug h the urethra into the bladder and removed. An 8F urethral catheter is passed, the balloon is inflated and the peel away sheath is removed. Results: This procedure has been performed in 6 children with difficul t urethral problems without complication and with universal success. C onclusions: The peel away sheath technique offers a more reliable and less traumatic mechanism for difficult infant urethral intubation.