Umbilical venous catheterization is frequently used for treatment, monitorization, blood sampling and total parenteral nutrition in neonatal intensive care units. During umbilical catheterization, complications such as occlusion, bleeding, breaking, leaking, thrombosis, infection, distal embolization, perforation and cardiac tamponade may be observed. For this reason great attendence should be given to catheter complications especially during catheterization and catheter removal. Accidentally cutting or breaking of catheter may be observed. The catheter piece inside can be removed by transumbilical catheterization or surgical attempt.

Here we report a preterm infant with 28 gestational weeks of age whose umbilical catheter was broken or accidentally cut during removal of catheter. The piece of catheter inside was removed surgically.

Keywords: umbilical venous catheter, catheter breaking-cut