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Life-Threatening Complications Associated with Bladder Decompression: A Case Report
Barry J Knapp1, Lauren Apgar1, Kirstin Pennell1
1Eastern Virginia Medical School, Department of Emergency Medicine, Norfolk, Virginia.
Clinical Practice and Cases in Emergency Medicine
|November 25, 2022
Summary
Urinary retention can cause severe, life-threatening complications like post-obstructive diuresis, hematuria, and hypotension. Prompt recognition and management are crucial for patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Emergency Medicine
- Critical Care
Background:
- Urinary retention typically has an uneventful clinical course in emergency department (ED) patients.
- This case highlights rare but severe complications associated with urinary retention and bladder decompression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of life-threatening complications arising from urinary retention.
- To emphasize the importance of recognizing and managing these rare adverse events.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 57-year-old male presenting with difficulty voiding.
- Urinary catheterization followed by observation of severe post-obstructive diuresis.
- Management included aggressive resuscitation and operative hemorrhage control.
Main Results:
- The patient developed severe post-obstructive diuresis, hematuria, and hypotension post-catheterization.
- Aggressive resuscitation with blood products was required.
- Surgical intervention was necessary for hemorrhage control.
Conclusions:
- Clinicians must be vigilant for rare, life-threatening complications of urinary retention.
- Awareness and preparedness for managing these complications are essential in emergency settings.
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