title: Unsuccessful foley catheterization had an unexpected explanation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Foley catheterization is a simple procedure routinely performed during many obstetric and gynecologic procedures. Failure to adequately drain the bladder with catheter insertion should prompt further investigation to minimize morbidity to the patient.
  
  
  METHODS
  After repeated attempts to place a Foley catheter during a cesarean section, the urinary bladder did not drain. Postoperatively, it was found that the catheter was positioned inside the left ureter, and cystoscopy confirmed an ectopic ureter inserting into the proximal urethra.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This case presents an unusual cause of oliguria in an operative patient requiring Foley catheterization. An ectopic ureteral orifice should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with unexplained oliguria or anuria and failure to decompress the bladder with catheter placement.
authors.affiliation: From the Departments of *Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, and †Urologic Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA.
authors.forename: Junchan Joshua
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Yune
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Lightfoot
authors.forename: D Duane
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hardesty
authors.forename: Sam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siddighi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003558:Cystoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009846:Oliguria / Q000209:etiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014513:Ureter / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014522:Urethral Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*; D062885:Urinary Catheters