Expeditious method of urethrovesical junction determination in retropubic colposuspension with intraballoon illumination of Foley catheter

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficiency and safety of Foley catheter intraballoon illumination in determining the urethrovesical junction (UVJ) in retropubic colposuspension. METHOD: Our accessory set for UVJ determination is composed of a 24-french Foley catheter and a 5-mm 0 degrees telescope. The telescope is inserted into the catheter from the urinary luminal side until the tip has reached the level of the catheter balloon. After dissection of the bladder, urethra, and paraurethral tissues to reveal the submucosal endopelvic fascia, the accessory set is inserted into the bladder and the balloon is inflated with 5 ml air and illuminated by a switch on the cold light source. To determine the right side of UVJ, the catheter is pulled slightly downward and to the right of the patient. The contralateral side of the UVJ is determined by pulling the catheter slightly downward and to the left of the patient. RESULT: Intraballoon illumination of the Foley catheter helps to ensure accurate placement of paraurethral sutures at UVJ. CONCLUSION: Intraballoon illumination for determination of UVJ is simple, safe, effective and precludes an invasive approach such as cystoscopy and cystotomy.