Computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of bladder and ureteral trauma: indications, technique, and diagnosis

What can go wrong when doing right? A pictorial review of iatrogenic genitourinary complications

A growing number of treatments for genitourinary diseases can result in various iatrogenic complications. Multimodality imaging in the post-procedural setting is essential for early and accurate diagnosis to limit morbidity and mortality. We review common and uncommon treatment-induced pathologies affecting the genitourinary system via a case-based approach. We illustrate notable complications affecting the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra induced by percutaneous procedures, external beam radiation, immunotherapy, laparoscopic/robotic pelvic surgery, and intravesicular BCG. Finally, we provide guidance on optimal imaging techniques for diagnosis and highlight the role of image-guided interventions for mitigation of complications.

An uncommon case of a bladder injury due to hip prosthesis migration: A case report

Bladder injuries, although rare, can occur as a complication of hip surgery, particularly when a hip prosthesis migrates into the bladder. We present the case of a 75-year-old woman with a bladder rupture secondary to prosthesis migration requiring repair via a transvesical approach. While total hip arthroplasty (THA) is common, intrapelvic complications such as bladder injury are less commonly reported. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are essential to avoid serious consequences. The management of prosthesis migration into the bladder is complex and requires detailed anatomical knowledge. Awareness of this potential complication is essential for both orthopaedic surgeons and urologists.

Challenges in the diagnosis of delayed presentation of intraperitoneal Iatrogenic bladder trauma post Caesarean delivery: A case report

Iatrogenic bladder trauma (IBT), a rare complication of Caesarean delivery (CD), can present with delayed symptoms, posing diagnostic challenges. A case study reports IBT presenting six days post-CD, initially undetected by retrograde cystography and CT urography. Subsequent surgical exploration revealed an 8-cm wound in the bladder dome, concealed by a hematoma and enlarged uterus. While retrograde cystography is typically accurate, false negatives may occur. CT cystography offers higher sensitivity but may still miss small perforations. Delayed IBT can manifest with abdominal pain, hematuria, and elevated renal function tests, warranting clinical suspicion and consideration of surgical exploration despite negative imaging.

An uncommon and easily overlooked case: Delayed intraperitoneal bladder rupture following blunt trauma: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Delayed intraperitoneal bladder rupture is a rare clinical occurrence, frequently overlooked and misdiagnosed due to its nonspecific clinical manifestations. However, literature provides only a limited number of cases reporting delayed intraperitoneal bladder rupture resulting from blunt abdominal injury.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 72-year-old female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle and experienced sudden, severe abdominal pain on the 8th day following the injury. Abdominal B-ultrasound revealed a significant accumulation of peritoneal effusion. The abdominal puncture retrieved serosanguinous ascites. Then the patient was promptly transferred to our hospital. Upon transfer, the physical examination revealed the patient vital signs to be stable, accompanied by mild abdominal distension, slight tenderness, tension, and an absence of rebound tenderness. Urinalysis detected microscopic hematuria, while contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) revealed considerable fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, without evidence of solid organ damage, and the bladder was adequately filled.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of delayed intraperitoneal bladder rupture primarily relied on intraoperative observations.

INTERVENTIONS

An emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed, revealing a linear rupture at the dome of the bladder. Subsequently, the bladder rupture was repaired.

OUTCOMES

Postoperative cystography demonstrated full recovery and the patient was discharged 28 days post-surgery. The postoperative recovery was uneventful without any complications.

CONCLUSIONS

A well-distended bladder observed in CT does not definitively rule out the potential for bladder injury. False negatives may occur due to incomplete bladder filling during CT cystography. Retrograde cystography can identify cases missed by CT cystography. In cases of substantial intra-abdominal free fluid, surgical intervention should be actively considered for patients with blunt abdominal trauma without concurrent solid organ damage.

Current concepts review: Management of civilian transpelvic gunshot fractures

INTRODUCTION

Civilian gunshot fractures of the pelvic ring represent a unique challenge for orthopaedic surgeons due to a high incidence of complicating associated injuries. Internationally accepted guidelines for these injuries are not available. The aim of this review is to summarize the available literature and to provide concise management recommendations.

METHODS

Literature search was performed using PubMed. The review focuses on civilian gunshot fractures of the pelvic ring and includes the acetabulum and hip joint only where it was deemed necessary for the understanding of the management of these patients.

RESULTS

The management of civilian transpelvic gunshot fractures is complicated by potentially life-threatening associated injuries, the risk of contamination with bowel content and retained bullets in joints. The infection risk is higher compared to extremity gunshot fractures. There is no clear evidence for the use of antibiotics available. The studies focusing on civilian pelvic ring gunshot fractures reported no case of orthopaedic fracture fixation in their series. Routine wash-out and debridement of fractures is not warranted based on the literature but conflicting recommendations for surgical interventions exist.

CONCLUSION

There is limited evidence available for civilian transpelvic gunshot fractures. The high frequency of associated injuries requires a thorough clinical examination and multidisciplinary management. We recommend routine antibiotic prophylaxis for all transpelvic gunshots. For fractures with a high risk of infection, a minimum of 24 h broad-spectrum antibiotics is recommended. The indication for orthopaedic fixation of civilian transpelvic gunshot fractures is based on the assessment of the stability of the fracture and is rarely necessary. Although conflicting recommendations exist, routine wash-out and debridement is not recommended based on the literature. Bullets buried in bone without contact to synovial fluid do not warrant removal, unless they have traversed large bowel and are accessible without undue morbidity. Furthermore, bullets should be routinely removed if they are retained in the hip joint, if mechanical irritation of soft tissues by projectiles is expected or if the bullet traversed large bowel before entering the hip joint.

Cornerstones of CT urography: a shared document by the Italian board of urogenital radiology

CT urography is a single term used to refer to different scanning protocols that can be applied for a number of clinical indications. If, on the one hand, this highlights the role of the radiologist in deciding the most suitable technique to perform according to the patient's needs, on the other hand, a certain confusion may arise due to the different technical and clinical variables that have to be taken into account. This has been well demonstrated by a previous work based on an online questionnaire administered to a population of Italian radiologists that brought out similarities as well as differences across the national country. Defining precise guidelines for each clinical scenario, although desirable, is a difficult task to accomplish, if not even unfeasible. According to the prementioned survey, five relevant topics concerning CT urography have been identified: definition and clinical indications, opacification of the excretory system, techniques, post-processing reconstructions, and radiation dose and utility of dual-energy CT. The aim of this work is to deepen and share knowledge about these main points in order to assist the radiology in the daily practice. Moreover, a synopsis of recommendations agreed by the Italian board of genitourinary imaging is provided.

Laparoscopic Repair of Traumatic Intraperitoneal Bladder Rupture: A Case Series

Bladder injury is uncommon in blunt abdominal trauma. The injury can be life-threatening if not treated properly. Thus, timely and accurate diagnosis is critical. Traumatic intraperitoneal bladder rupture (TIBR) can be managed laparoscopically in patients who are hemodynamically stable. In this case series, we present 3 patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of TIBR performed by a single surgeon. In addition, we address useful technical tips that would facilitate the generalized use of laparoscopy for treating TIBR.