Bladder perforation: A rare complication of retention management

Abstract

A healthy 25 year old woman presented with acute urinary retention following alcohol ingestion. A 14 french foley catheter drained over 1 L of haematuria immediately. Due to worsening and persistent abdominal pain, CT and ultrasound imaging was performed, demonstrating only a small amount of free fluid. Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed an intraperitoneal bladder perforation with the foley catheter visible. The bladder defect was repaired and she recovered well. This is a rare case of likely iatrogenic bladder perforation from simple catheterisation without predisposing comorbidities, highlighting the importance of correct technique and awareness of potential complications.

Keywords

• Bladder trauma
• Catheterisation
• Urinary retention