An Update on Foley Catheter Balloon Tamponade for Penetrating Neck Injuries

Foley catheter balloon tamponade (FCBT) for bleeding penetrating neck injuries (PNIs) is effective. This study aims to audit the technique and outcomes of FCBT.

Adult patients with PNIs requiring FCBT presenting to Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH) within a 22-month study period were prospectively captured on an approved electronic registry. Retrospective analysis included demographics, major injuries, investigations, management and outcomes.

During the study period, 628 patients with PNI were treated at GSH. In 95 patients (15.2%), FCBT was utilised. The majority were men (98%) with an average age of 27.9 years. Most injuries were caused by stab wounds (90.5%). The majority of catheters (81.1%) were inserted prior to arrival at GSH. Computerised tomographic angiography (CTA) was done in 92.6% of patients, while eight patients (8.4%) required catheter-directed angiography. Six were performed for interventional endovascular management. Thirty-four arterial injuries were identified in 29 patients. Ongoing bleeding was noted in three patients, equating to a 97% success rate for haemorrhage control. Thirteen (13.7%) patients required neck exploration. Seventy-two (75.8%) patients without major arterial injury had removal of the catheter at 48–72 h. Two of these bled on catheter removal. A total of 36 complications were documented in 28 patients (29.5%). There was one death due to uncontrolled haemorrhage from the neck wound.

This large series highlights the ease of use of FCBT with high rates of success at haemorrhage control (97%). Venous injuries and minor arterial injuries are definitively managed with this technique.