COMPLICATIONS FROM INFLATION OF A RETENTION RECTAL BALLOON CATHETER IN THE VAGINA AT BARIUM ENEMA

We describe two complications arising from the inadvertent introductio n and inflation of a retention rectal balloon catheter in the vagina. Barium entered the uterus, fallopian tubes and peritoneal cavity in on e and caused a forniceal tear and venous intravasation in the other. I n both cases the catheter misplacement was attributed to atrophy of th e perineal body. Various recommendations have been made to reduce the risks associated with the use of balloon catheters but we wish to emph asize the importance of a digital rectal examination to define the per ineal anatomy and the use of a gloved finger to guide the balloon cath eter into the rectum.