Preventing iatrogenic injury from inadvertent intracranial migration of a urinary foley catheter while controlling profuse epistaxis after severe craniofacial trauma.

The massive nasopharyngeal bleeding that may accompany complicated comminuted fractures of the craniofacial bones can be controlled by pressure tamponade using an inflatable urinary Foley catheter. However, inadvertent intracranial catheter penetration poses a serious risk in such situations. Management of a relevant case is described, and a simple preventive measure is suggested.