Giant bladder (10,500 mL in volume) in the ED

Return of voiding function after greenlight photovaporisation of the prostate for a patient with giant bladder

Giant bladder is a rare condition with varied definitions and causes. It can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, retrograde urine reflux, pyelonephritis, renal damage and occasionally vascular obstruction. In this case report, we present a man in his 70s with massive urinary retention >7 L and severe bilateral hydronephrosis. The patient underwent a successful Greenlight photovaporisation of the prostate to address underlying bladder outlet obstruction. The surgical procedure resulted in significant improvement in urinary function, enabling the patient to live catheter and infection free, and without renal damage. This case demonstrates that bladder outlet surgery can be useful in selected cases of giant bladder to avoid complications of chronic catheterisation or ongoing retention.