Home Oxygen Therapy-Induced Bladder Rupture

Area of Science:

• Medical Safety
• Patient Care
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Home oxygen therapy (HOT) is increasingly prescribed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in older men, often requiring urinary catheterization.
• Concurrent COPD and BPH increase the risk of complex medical scenarios.

Observation:

• An 84-year-old male on HOT for COPD experienced cardiopulmonary arrest after mistakenly connecting an oxygen cylinder to his urinary catheter.
• Physical examination revealed subcutaneous emphysema and abdominal distension, indicative of abdominal compartment syndrome due to oxygen insufflation.
• The patient presented with symptoms of abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to incorrect oxygen administration.

Findings:

• Emergency department intervention included advanced cardiac life support and abdominal oxygen drainage.
• Successful resuscitation was achieved with the return of spontaneous circulation post-intervention.
• The case demonstrates a critical medical error stemming from the misuse of medical devices in patients with common comorbidities.

Implications:

• This case underscores the potential for severe adverse events when medical devices are misused.
• Healthcare providers should emphasize patient education on the correct use of home oxygen therapy and medical devices.
• Increased vigilance and clear protocols are necessary to prevent similar iatrogenic incidents in patients with COPD and BPH.