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Traumatic injury of the bladder and urethra

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Bladder catheterization, female
Bladder catheterization, female
Bladder catheterization, male
Bladder catheterization, male
Female urinary tract
Female urinary tract
Male urinary tract
Male urinary tract

Alternative Names    Return to top

Injury - bladder and urethra; Bruised bladder; Urethral injury; Bladder injury; Pelvic fracture; Urethral disruption

Definition    Return to top

Traumatic injury of the bladder and urethra involves damage caused by an outside force.

Causes    Return to top

Injuries to the bladder can be divided into:

The nature of the injury to the bladder depends on how full the bladder was at the time of injury and what caused the injury.

Traumatic injury to the bladder is uncommon. Only about 8 - 10% of pelvic fractures are associated with bladder injury. Because the bladder is located within the bony structures of the pelvis, it is protected from most outside forces. Injury may occur if there is a blow to the pelvis that is severe enough to break the bones and cause bone fragments to penetrate the bladder wall.

Other causes of bladder injury include:

Injury to the bladder or urethra may cause urine to leak into the abdomen, leading to infection (peritonitis). This type of injury is more common if the bladder is full.

Symptoms    Return to top

Emergency symptoms indicating shock or hemorrhage:

Note: Symptoms follow a history of injury.

Scarring (stricture) or obstruction of the bladder or urethra from swelling may develop.

If urine retention occurs, there may be an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTI).

Exams and Tests    Return to top

An examination of the genitals may show injury to the urethra. If the health care provider suspects an injury, a retrograde urethrogram should be done to show the structure of the lower urinary tract.

Examination may also show:

A Foley catheter (a tube that drains urine from the body) may be inserted.

Treatment    Return to top

The goals of treatment are to:

Emergency treatment of bleeding or shock may include:

Treatment of peritonitis may include emergency surgery to repair the injury and drain the urine from the abdominal cavity. Antibiotics may be given to treat peritonitis and to prevent urinary tract infections.

Surgical repair of the injury is usually successful. The bladder may be drained by a catheter through the urethra or the abdominal wall over a period of days to weeks. This will prevent urine from building up in the bladder, allowing the injured bladder or urethra to heal. This also prevents swelling in the urethra from blocking urine flow.

If the urethra has been cut, a urological specialist can place a Foley catheter. If this cannot be done, a tube will be inserted through the abdominal wall and directly into the bladder. This is called a suprapubic tube. It will be left in place until swelling goes away and the urethra can be surgically repaired. This typically takes 3 - 6 months.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Traumatic injury of the bladder and the urethra may range from minor to major and life-threatening. There may be severe, immediate, or long-term complications.

Possible Complications    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911), if you have symptoms of traumatic injury of the bladder or urethra -- particularly if there is a history of injury to the area.

Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, including:

Prevention    Return to top

Prevent outside injury to the bladder and urethra by using general safety precautions:

References    Return to top

Morey AF, Rozanski TA. Genital and lower urinary tract trauma. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 83.

Update Date: 5/22/2008

Updated by: Scott M. Gilbert, MD, Department of Urology, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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