Combined intra- and extra-peritoneal bladder perforation following rectal impalement injury

Abstract

A 62-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and hematuria following impalement of the rectum with a wooden foreign object. CT imaging showed air and fluid in the peritoneum prompting the patient to undergo abdominal exploration. An anterior rectal perforation was discovered along with dual bladder lacerations of the posterior wall and dome. The patient underwent a diverting colostomy and primary bladder repair. Post-operative course was uncomplicated and bladder repair was followed via cystograms with catheter removal 2 months post-operatively. Four months after the injury the patient underwent colostomy closure and remains with normal bladder and bowel function at 21-month follow-up.

Keywords

• Bladder perforation
• Traumatic bladder injury
• Impalement injury
• Bladder repair