Traumatic Injury of the Bladder and Urethra
Alternate Names : Bladder Injury, Bruised Bladder, Injury - Bladder and Urethra, Pelvic Fracture, Straddle Injury, Urethral Disruption, Urethral Injury
 See all Pictures & Images
Diagnosis & Tests
Examination of the genitals may indicate injury to the urethra. Blood at the urethral meatus and high riding prostate on rectal exam may suggest an urethral injury. If an urethral injury is suspected, a retrograd urthrogram should be performed to adequately delineate the anatomy of the lower urinary tract.
Palpation (slight pressure or distention) over the bladder may show tenderness. Palpation may indicate bladder fullness, caused by retention of urine. Examination of the abdomen and/or rectum may indicate bladder injury or may show distended bladder. Or, if the bladder lining has been disturbed, urine may escape from the bladder into abdominal cavity, and the patient may only complain of vague abdominal pain/discomfort associated with inability to void.
There may be signs of hemorrhage or shock, including decreased blood pressure -- especially in cases of pelvic fracture. MAST trousers may be applied to reduce pelvic bleeding.
A Foley catheter (artificial tube to drain urine from the body) is usually inserted as a part of trauma protocol. If bladder or urethral injuries are suspected, an urological consultation should be obtained prior to attempting to use any urinary catheter.
|
