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Published on: August 9, 2012
Spontaneous bladder rupture caused by a giant vesical calculus
Navneet Kaur1, Amit Attam, Ashish Gupta
1Department of Surgery, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, 95, India. dr_navkaur@hotmail.com
A 36-year-old man presented with severe abdominal pain and inability to urinate. Tests showed high urea levels and a large bladder stone. The bladder ruptured spontaneously, likely due to the stone's size. The patient underwent dialysis and surgery to remove the stone and a non-functioning kidney. The case highlights the rare but serious complication of giant bladder stones and the need for quick diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Emergency Medicine
- Renal Physiology
Background:
Spontaneous bladder rupture is a rare medical condition. Prior research has documented cases involving trauma or obstruction, but spontaneous occurrences are less understood. It was already known that bladder rupture can lead to severe complications like peritonitis. No prior work had resolved the exact mechanisms behind spontaneous rupture without trauma. This gap motivated further investigation into non-traumatic causes. The condition often presents with acute abdominal symptoms and elevated urea levels. Diagnosis typically involves imaging and lab tests to confirm fluid leakage. This paper's contribution is a detailed case report of a rare event.
Purpose Of The Study:
The aim of this case report is to document a rare instance of spontaneous bladder rupture. The patient presented with severe abdominal pain and anuria. The authors sought to describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic approach. They also aimed to highlight the treatment strategies employed. The motivation stems from the rarity of such cases and the need for awareness. The study emphasizes the importance of rapid diagnosis in similar presentations. It also provides insight into managing complex urological emergencies. The findings may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.
Main Methods:
The study involved a 36-year-old male with acute abdominal symptoms. Clinical examination revealed tenderness and distension. Laboratory tests showed elevated urea in blood and ascitic fluid. Ultrasound imaging identified massive ascites and bladder and renal calculi. Catheterization failed due to bladder obstruction. Hemodialysis was initiated to manage urea levels. Abdominal drains were placed to remove fluid. Surgical intervention included cystolithotomy and nephrolithotripsy.
Main Results:
The patient had a 6 cm bladder calculus and a left staghorn renal calculus. A 2-liter volume of yellow fluid was drained from the abdomen. The bladder dome showed a rent due to the impacted calculus. Hemodialysis normalized urea levels. Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy removed the renal calculus. A nephrectomy was performed for a non-functioning kidney. Postoperative recovery was uneventful. The findings suggest that large calculi can cause spontaneous bladder rupture.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that giant bladder calculi can cause spontaneous rupture. The case highlights the importance of rapid diagnosis in acute presentations. The study supports the use of imaging and lab tests for confirmation. Treatment involves both dialysis and surgical intervention. The findings suggest that obstructive uropathy can lead to severe complications. The authors emphasize the need for awareness among clinicians. The case adds to the limited literature on non-traumatic bladder rupture. The study does not generalize beyond the presented case.
Frequently Asked Questions
The authors propose that a 6 cm bladder calculus caused a rent in the bladder dome, leading to rupture.
Hemodialysis was used to manage elevated urea levels, which reached 340 mg% in blood.
Catheterization failed due to obstruction caused by the large bladder calculus.
The 337 mg% urea in ascitic fluid indicated leakage of urine into the peritoneal cavity.
Cystolithotomy, percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, and nephrectomy were performed.
The authors suggest that large bladder calculi can cause spontaneous rupture and require prompt diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Urinary Tract Calculi III: Medical Management
Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management
Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography

