Introduction

Transurethral catheterization (TUC) is a common and useful procedure in the Emergency Department. Usually, it is a straightforward procedure that is utilized in the relief of acute urinary retention, in obtaining a sterile urine specimen and in monitoring a patient's fluid status. TUC, however, is not always straightforward and can lead to serious complications (Simon). In this chapter we will orient you to the indications, contraindications, anatomy and the procedure itself. We will also make suggestions about how you can facilitate a successful and comfortable TUC.

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CONTRIBUTORS

Author	Michelle Finkel , MD Attending Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
Senior Editor	Gary Setnik, MD Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School Chair, Department of Emergency Medicine Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Editors	Kathy G. Niknejad, MD Instructor in Surgery, Harvard Medical School Attending Urologist Beth Israel Deaconness Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts Rob Shaffer, MD Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts Todd W. Thomsen, MD Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Multimedia Development	Rob Shaffer, MD Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts Todd W. Thomsen, MD Instructor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts