Navigating Postcaesarean Challenges: A Case Report on Bladder Flap Haematoma with Haematuria

Abstract

A less common puerperal complication following a caesarean section is a bladder flap haematoma, characterised by the accumulation of blood in the vesico-uterine space. A young, unregistered primigravida was referred from a peripheral facility with preeclampsia and obstructed labour. Signs of obstructed labour were observed both before and intraoperatively, like dehydration, foetal distress, a stretched lower uterine segment, and oedematous bladder. The uterus was sutured in two layers to control bleeding, and the patient was closely monitored postoperatively. The diagnosis of haematoma was made by the increasing height of the uterus and a suprapubic bulge anterior to the uterus, along with postoperative haematuria. Imaging with ultrasonography and Computed Tomography (CT) helped to decide the management. The patient improved after exploratory laparotomy with haematoma drainage. No bladder injury was found during the cystoscopy. Early diagnosis and treatment were important in preventing complications such as haemodynamic instability, abscess formation, and sepsis. Authors present their experience in this patient with postcaesarean vesico-uterine haematoma, with frank haematuria, without an obvious bladder injury, who required re-exploration. The clinical presentation, course, and sonographic findings of this patient form the basis of this report.

Keywords

• cystoscopy
• exploratory laparotomy
• sepsis
• vesico-uterine space