Nasal packing for epistaxis is usually carried out using lubricated gauze and a Foley catheter. Lubricants such as Vaseline or paraffin can dissolve the Foley balloon of latex; however, they are excipients of various ointments and creams. AIM: To evaluate the effect of potential lubricants on the Foley catheter. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Balloons from eighty Foley catheters were distributed into groups of equal size and kept under traction in contact with one of eight different products: two ointments, three creams, one gel, Vaseline and dry gauze. The balloons were inspected once every 24 hours for five days. The lubricants were tested regarding hydrosolubility. RESULTS: Twenty balloons ruptured, all of them in the Vaseline group or in the group of one of the ointments. The products that did not damage the latex balloon were soluble in water despite the petrolatum excipient. DISCUSSION: It is conjectured that hydrophobic lubricant contained petrolatum used to lubricate the gauze of nasal packing may damage the Foley catheter when in close contact with it. CONCLUSION: The creams tested in this study, as well as the Furacin® ointment, may be suggested as suitable for use as lubricants of the gauze used in the anterior nasal packing associated with the Foley balloon as they cause no deterioration to the nasal balloon. Our results suggest that hydro soluble creams, ointments and gels preserve to Foley catheter integrity although contained petroleum derivatives in excipient.
Foley catheter; paraffin; lubricant; epistaxis
