Work

Beyond the bowel: Computed tomography (CT) Scan identification of intraperitoneal bladder perforation causing mechanical small bowel obstruction

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Intraperitoneal bladder perforation can rarely cause mechanical small-bowel obstruction. A man with benign prostatic hyperplasia and longstanding transurethral catheterisation presented with abdominal pain, distension, obstipation and vomiting. Computed tomography demonstrated small-bowel obstruction with an ileal transition point adjacent to the catheter tip traversing the bladder dome. Surgical exploration revealed an ileal loop adherent to the perforated bladder. Adhesiolysis relieved the obstruction, and the bladder defect was debrided and repaired in two layers. This case highlights the importance of assessing catheter position and bladder integrity on computed tomography in chronically catheterised patients presenting with bowel obstruction, enabling recognition and multidisciplinary management.

Source: Urology Case Reports

DOI: 10.1016/j.eucr.2026.103647

Authors: Greg Samuels, Gloria Tshimbidi, Peter Aclavio, Catharina Pothas, Alain Mwamba Mukendi

Institutions: University of the Witwatersrand, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Johannesburg Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Intestinal and Peritoneal Adhesions

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,160