Small Bowel Obstruction Due to Suprapubic Catheter Placement

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gastroenterology
• Geriatric Medicine

Background:

• Suprapubic catheter (SPC) placement is a common urological procedure.
• Potential complications include bladder injury, bowel injury, and hemorrhage.
• Elderly patients may present unique challenges in managing procedural complications.

Observation:

• An elderly patient underwent suprapubic catheter placement.
• The patient subsequently developed symptoms consistent with small bowel obstruction.
• Urine production via the catheter persisted despite the obstruction.

Findings:

• The case details the successful management of SPC-induced small bowel obstruction.
• Surgical intervention, specifically abdominal exploration and bowel resection, was necessary.
• Persistent urine output did not preclude the diagnosis of bowel obstruction.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of vigilant monitoring for gastrointestinal complications post-SPC placement, even with continued urinary output.
• It highlights the need for prompt diagnosis and surgical management in elderly patients experiencing such complications.
• Consideration of alternative urinary diversion methods or careful technique may be warranted in high-risk populations.