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Table of Contents   
CASE REPORT
Year : 2023  |  Volume : 28  |  Issue : 5  |  Page : 425-427
 

Intraperitoneal rupture of urinary bladder during micturating cystourethrography in a child


Amardeep Multispeciality Children Hospital and Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

Date of Submission23-Dec-2022
Date of Decision30-Jan-2023
Date of Acceptance06-Mar-2023
Date of Web Publication29-May-2023

Correspondence Address:
Amar A Shah
Amardeep Multispeciality Children Hospital and Research Centre, 65, Pritamnagar Society, Near Government Ladies Hostel, Near Gujarat College, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad - 380 006, Gujarat
India
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Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None


DOI: 10.4103/jiaps.jiaps_181_22

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   Abstract 


Micturating cystourethrography (MCUG) is a very commonly performed diagnostic procedure in pediatric urology. Although considered to be simple, safe, and cost-effective, it can incur some complications. Bladder rupture during MCUG is a very rare complication and only a handful of cases have been reported in world literature. We report the case of a 2.5-month-old boy who had intraperitoneal bladder rupture during an MCUG needing surgical repair. At operation, the child had a bladder tear at the dome of the bladder which was repaired successfully. The postoperative recovery was uneventful and the child is doing well in follow-up. Although individual management of bladder rupture may differ, a majority of infants need surgery for the same. Thorough vigil and attention to the technique are a must to prevent such incidents in children.


Keywords: Intraperitoneal bladder rupture, micturating cystourethrography, child


How to cite this article:
Shah AA, Shah AV. Intraperitoneal rupture of urinary bladder during micturating cystourethrography in a child. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg 2023;28:425-7

How to cite this URL:
Shah AA, Shah AV. Intraperitoneal rupture of urinary bladder during micturating cystourethrography in a child. J Indian Assoc Pediatr Surg [serial online] 2023 [cited 2023 Oct 2];28:425-7. Available from: https://www.jiaps.com/text.asp?2023/28/5/425/385218





   Introduction Top


Micturating cystourethrography (MCUG) is a relatively simple and very commonly performed diagnostic procedure in pediatric urology for the evaluation of congenital renal problems in children. Although safe, rare complications are known to occur which may lead to morbid clinical situations.[1]


   Case Report Top


A 2.5-month-old boy was referred to us with a history of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Ultrasound scan done as a part of the workup showed fullness in both the renal pelvicalyceal systems. An MCUG was suggested for the child after control of UTI. The MCUG was performed by an experienced radiologist under fluoroscopy at a radiology center. A 6 F Foley catheter was placed urethrally and the bulb was inflated with 1.5 ml saline. 40 ml mixture of normal saline and contrast was instilled in the bladder using a 50 ml syringe. The image after 30 ml of contrast showed a well-distended bladder of a normal contour [Figure 1]. However, on instilling the next 10 ml of the contrast, intraperitoneal spillage was observed [Figure 2]. The procedure was abandoned and the child was brought back to our center. On examination, the child had tachycardia (Pulse Rate (PR) – 190/min) and tachypnea (Respiratory Rate (RR) – 40/min) with mild abdominal distention which was nontender. The urethral catheter was in situ. The child was stabilized with intravenous (IV) fluids, analgesics, and IV antibiotics were commenced. We observed that the urethral catheter was draining urine normally following which a nonoperative management approach was planned. Over the course of the next 24 h, the child developed abdominal distention. Ultrasound scan showed 250 ml of free fluid in the peritoneal cavity. The urethral catheter had also drained 110 ml of urine for 24 h. In view of good urinary drainage from the urethral catheter, a 20 G cannula was placed in the right iliac fossa and 230 ml of urine was drained from the peritoneal cavity. In the following 24 h, the urethral catheter drained 150 ml of urine. Follow-up ultrasound showed recollection of peritoneal fluid and another of 240 ml of urine was drained from the peritoneum. Following 48 h of expectant treatment and two trials of peritoneal aspirations urine reaccumulated in the peritoneal cavity. Further to this, an open exploration was planned. A vertical midline infra umbilical incision was placed. The bladder exposed and the peritoneum opened. There was a 3 cm long full-thickness tear at the dome of the bladder with urinary ascites. The bladder was repaired in two layers with 5–0 polyglactin sutures leaving the Foley's catheter in the bladder. An intraperitoneal Penrose drain was placed. The child had an uneventful postoperative recovery. The Penrose drain was removed on the 5th postoperative day and the urethral catheter was removed on the 10th postoperative day. The child is voiding spontaneously. Follow-up ultrasound scans were done 2 and 6 weeks following discharge. They showed no intraperitoneal collection and no signs of renal or ureteric dilatation.
Figure 1: Photograph showing the bladder at instillation of 30 ml of contrast during MCUG. MCUG: Micturating cystourethrography

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Figure 2: Image showing peritoneal spillage of the contrast during MCUG. MCUG: Micturating cystourethrography

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   Discussion Top


MCUG is a commonly performed procedure for the evaluation of children with antenatally diagnosed hydroureteronephrosis, UTIs, suspected bladder outlet obstruction, etc. Commonly reported complications of MCUG include UTI, allergic reactions to the contrast, dysuria, hematuria, knotting of urethral catheter, etc.[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8] Bladder rupture during MCUG is a rare complication and commonly seen in children with chronically unused bladders, previous surgeries, or underlying disease.[9] This may sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. Severe neurological toxicity following reflux of contrast material through ventriculoperitoneal shunt after intraperitoneal bladder rupture during MCUG has been reported.[10]

Careful attention should be given to multiple factors before performing a safe MCUG. Disease condition of the patient, estimation of bladder volume, size of urethral catheter, and speed and pressure of contrast instillation should all be taken into account. An experienced radiologist performing the procedure under fluoroscopic guidance is mandatory.

Two formulas have been proposed for the estimation of bladder volume in children according to their age. For children <1 year, bladder volume (ml) =38 + (2.5 × age in months). For children more than 1 year, bladder volume (ml) = (age in year + 1) × 30.[11],[12] However, as suggested by Martinez-Garcia et al., the bladder is not like a rigid vase with a specific and constant capacity.[13] The presence of a catheter in the bladder or any stressful stimuli may lead to decreased capacity as compared to a relaxed bladder.[14]

The size and type of the urethral catheter are also important. The use of infant feeding tubes is recommended for MCUG in neonates and infants. The use of a Foley catheter is risky because the balloon may prevent urinary leakage through the urethra in the event of disproportionate volume or pressure during contrast instillation causing bladder rupture.[15]

Manual injection of contrast should be avoided to prevent a rapid increase in the pressure. Instead, the gravity method by placing the contrast container no higher than 60 cm from the patient is preferable. The bladder dome is the weakest part of the bladder and can easily rupture when the excess volume is injected rapidly or forcefully.[8]

The management of bladder rupture following MCUG is individualized. Keihani and Kajbafzadeh reviewed the reported cases of bladder rupture following MCUG in children without chronic underlying diseases.[16] All the eight cases of intraperitoneal bladder rupture required surgical intervention. Two cases with extraperitoneal tear and perivesical extravasation were managed with nonoperative treatment. In our case, the main causes of the bladder rupture could be attributed to the use of a Foley catheter and manual injection of the contrast media with a high pressure. In our case, the urethral catheter drained a good amount of urine and hence despite the intraperitoneal collection, we opted for expectant treatment with peritoneal aspiration. Parental anxiety and hesitancy for the child to undergo an operative procedure were also another reason for expectant treatment over 48 h. However, when the urine was recollected after two trials of peritoneal aspiration, the decision for an open exploration and bladder repair was taken.


   Conclusion Top


Although MCUG is generally safe, serious and rare complications may occur during or after the procedure. The clinician should always be thorough and vigilant about the technique and should have a keen eye for potential complications.

Consent for publication

The authors have obtained the necessary approval for the publication of the data from the hospital. The parents of the child have given written consent to operate on the child and to share the photograph for academic purposes in the journal.

Declaration of patient consent

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form, the legal guardian has given his consent for the patient's images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The guardian understands that the patient's name and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.



 
   References Top

1.
McAlister WH, Cacciarelli A, Shackelford GD. Complications associated with cystography in children. Radiology 1974;111:167-72.  Back to cited text no. 1
    
2.
Rachmiel M, Aladjem M, Starinsky R, Strauss S, Villa Y, Goldman M. Symptomatic urinary tract infections following voiding cystourethrography. Pediatr Nephrol 2005;20:1449-52.  Back to cited text no. 2
    
3.
Glynn B, Gordon IR. The risk of infection of the urinary tract as a result of micturating cystourethrography in children. Ann Radiol (Paris) 1970;13:283-7.  Back to cited text no. 3
    
4.
Weese DL, Greenberg HM, Zimmern PE. Contrast media reactions during voiding cystourethrography or retrograde pyelography. Urology 1993;41:81-4.  Back to cited text no. 4
    
5.
Wood BP, Lane AT, Rabinowitz R. Cutaneous reaction to contrast material. Radiology 1988;169:739-40.  Back to cited text no. 5
    
6.
Konen O, Pomeranz A, Aronheim M, Rathaus V. A urethral catheter knot: A rare complication of cystourethrography. Pediatr Radiol 1996;26:757-8.  Back to cited text no. 6
    
7.
Crowley JJ, McAlister WH. Extravasation of contrast material during voiding cystourethrography. Abdom Imaging 1995;20:68-9.  Back to cited text no. 7
    
8.
Kim MS, Lee SH, Kim JH, Chang YB, Lee DY. Study of post procedural complications associated with voiding cystourethrography. J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2007;11:65-73.  Back to cited text no. 8
    
9.
Matsumoto AH, Clark RL, Cuttino JT Jr. Bladder mucosal tears during voiding cystourethrography in chronic renal failure. Urol Radiol 1986;8:81-4.  Back to cited text no. 9
    
10.
Dalkin B, Franco I, Reda EF, McLone D, Godine L, Kaplan WE. Contrast-induced central nervous system toxicity after radiographic evaluation of the lower urinary tract in myelodysplastic patients with ventriculoperitoneal shunts. J Urol 1992;148:120-1.  Back to cited text no. 10
    
11.
Holmdahl G, Hanson E, Hanson M, Hellström AL, Hjälmås K, Sillén U. Four-hour voiding observation in healthy infants. J Urol 1996;156:1809-12.  Back to cited text no. 11
    
12.
Hjälmås K. Urodynamics in normal infants and children. Scand J Urol Nephrol Suppl 1988;114:20-7.  Back to cited text no. 12
    
13.
van Gool JD. Re: Martínez-García R, Ubeda-Sansano MI, Díez-Domingo J, Pérez-Hoyos S, Gil-Salom M.. It is time to abandon “expected bladder capacity.” Systematic review and new models for children's normal maximum voided volumes. Neurourol Urodyn 2014;33:1092-8. Neurourol Urodyn. 2014;33:1099.  Back to cited text no. 13
    
14.
Franco I. What is an appropriate urodynamic bladder capacity in infants? Can Urol Assoc J 2014;8:333.  Back to cited text no. 14
    
15.
Robson WL, Leung AK, Thomason MA. Catheterization of the bladder in infants and children. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2006;45:795-800.  Back to cited text no. 15
    
16.
Keihani S, Kajbafzadeh AM. Bladder rupture after voiding cystourethrography: A case report and literature review on pitfalls and bladder volume estimation. Can Urol Assoc J 2015;9:E826-9.  Back to cited text no. 16
    


    Figures

  [Figure 1], [Figure 2]



 

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    Abstract
   Introduction
   Case Report
   Discussion
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    References
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