Preventable long-term complications of suprapubic cystostomy after spinal cord injury: Root cause analysis in a representative case report

Background

Although complications related to suprapubic cystostomies are well documented, there is scarcity of literature on safety issues involved in long-term care of suprapubic cystostomy in spinal cord injury patients.

Case Presentation

A 23-year-old female patient with tetraplegia underwent suprapubic cystostomy. During the next decade, this patient developed several catheter-related complications, as listed below: (1) Suprapubic catheter came out requiring reoperation. (2) The suprapubic catheter migrated to urethra through a patulous bladder neck, which led to leakage of urine per urethra. (3) Following change of catheter, the balloon of suprapubic catheter was found to be lying under the skin on two separate occasions. (4) Subsequently, this patient developed persistent, seropurulent discharge from suprapubic cystostomy site as well as from under-surface of pubis. (5) Repeated misplacement of catheter outside the bladder led to chronic leakage of urine along suprapubic tract, which in turn predisposed to inflammation and infection of suprapubic tract, abdominal wall fat, osteomyelitis of pubis, and abscess at the insertion of adductor longus muscle

Conclusion

Suprapubic catheter should be anchored securely to prevent migration of the tip of catheter into urethra and accidental dislodgment of catheter. While changing the suprapubic catheter, correct placement of Foley catheter inside the urinary bladder must be ensured. In case of difficulty, it is advisable to perform exchange of catheter over a guide wire. Ultrasound examination of urinary bladder is useful to check the position of the balloon of Foley catheter.     

Squamous cell carcinoma of suprapubic cystostomy tract without bladder involvement.

This report describes a third case of squamous cell carcinoma of the suprapubic cystostomy tract. The first case reported in 1993 concerned a squamous cell carcinoma arising adjacent to the suprapubic cystostomy site and extending anteriorly to the abdominal wall in a 80-year-old man, 5 years after suprapubic urinary diversion for urethral stricture. A second case published in 1995 described a 50-year-old paraplegic man (T11-T12 spinal cord injury) in whom a suprapubic cystostomy tract squamous cell carcinoma developed after 25 years of urinary diversion. The tumour involved the cystostomy tract primarily with extension into the bladder but did not penetrate the bladder wall muscle. Our patient is in fact the second one to have a suprapubic cystostomy tract squamous carcinoma not involving the bladder.     

Hematuria and clot retention after Burch colposuspension and Cystofix suprapubic catheterization: Suprapubic cystotomy as an alternative suprapubic drainage method

Suprapubic catheterization is a common procedure in continence surgery and hematuria is a common complication after suprapubic catheterization. The authors report an unusual case of acute clot retention after the removal of a Cystofix suprapubic catheter in a patient who had had a Burch colposuspension. Suprapublic cystotomy as an alternate suprapublic method is also discussed.     

Implantation metastasis after a suprapubic catheter in a case of bladder cancer.

We report about a patient who was treated with a percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy in order to relieve repeated urinary retention. Two hours later a bladder tumor was found and the suprapubic catheter was removed. After transurethral resection of the bladder tumor the histological specimen showed a pT3 G3 squamous cell carcinoma. Because of the age and reduced performance status of the patient a radical cystectomy was contraindicated. In a second approach we performed again a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor simultaneously with a resection of the prostate. Eight weeks later the patient was admitted to our hospital because of reduced performance status and gross haematuria. We found a widespread bladder tumor with an implantation metastasis in the abdominal wall at the site where the suprapubic catheter was placed and multiple lung metastases. The patient died within one week after admission. The literature is reviewed and therapeutic strategies are discussed.     

Experitoneal bladder perforation due to in-dwelling urethral catheter successfully treated by urethral drainage: a case report

Perforation of the bladder related to long-term indwelling urethral catheter is a rare and serious complication. A 85-year-old man with an indwelling urethral catheter presented severe hematuria, abdominal pain with rebound tenderness and muscular tension over the suprapubic area after the exchange of the urethral catheter. Computed tomography and cystogram revealed experitoneal bladder perforation due to indwelling catheter. Three weeks after the indwelling urethral catheter had been placed, the perforation was closed. In most cases, laparotomy and suprapubic cystostomy are performed. We describe the case of experitoneal bladder perforation successfully treated by urethral drainage.     

Suprapubic catheterization complicated by bowel perforation

Inadvertent bowel injury can occur when utilizing trocar cystotomy technique for the placement of a suprapubic catheter. The authors present a patient who had a suprapubic catheter placed through a stab incision at the time of vaginal pelvic reconstruction for procidentia. Her presentation did not include the typical signs of peritonitis, but was characterized by low urine output and regression of bowel function due to ileus and third-spacing in the peritoneal cavity. The potential risk factors for bowel injury in this patient are enumerated and techniques to minimize the risk of bowel perforation are discussed. The risk of bowel injury is reduced by choosing a catheter introducer that minimizes impedance while piercing tissues, and by using a rigid cystoscope for visualization of the suprapubic trocar during entry into the bladder.     

Laparoscopic management of cecal injury from a misplaced percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy

Iatrogenic bowel injury is a recognized complication of percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy. In the present report, we describe a case of misplacement of suprapubic catheter into cecum, in which laparoscopic technique was used successfully to identify and treat this condition. A 72-year-old woman with severe multiple sclerosis underwent her fourth change of suprapubic catheter 3 months after initial insertion. At the time of catheter change, the urologist performed a cystoscopy via the suprapubic tract and found feculent material in the presumed bladder. A diagnosis of colovesical fistula was made, and patient was referred to the acute surgical service. Cystogram via suprapubic catheter showed passage of contrast straight into colon in the region of cecum with no evidence of a fistula. Computed tomography of abdomen and pelvis confirmed the position of the catheter in the cecum. At laparoscopy, the cecum was seen to move when tension was applied to the suprapubic catheter, confirming the catheter tip and balloon in the lower pole of cecum. Laparoscopic transection of the cecum above the point of entry of the catheter was performed using an Endo GIA linear stapler. Under laparoscopic visualization, a new suprapubic catheter was inserted into the bladder. Intraoperative bleeding was minimal and the postoperative course was uneventful.     

Transvaginal closure of the bladder neck and placement of a suprapubic catheter for destroyed urethra after long-term indwelling catheterization

We report on 6 women with continuous urinary incontinence as a late complication of an indwelling urethral catheter for neurogenic bladder. Pressure necrosis by the balloon resulted in progressive destruction of the entire urethra, with subsequent incontinence despite the catheter. Surgical attempts at bladder neck closure to correct the incontinence generally have been unsuccessful. Instead of supravesical urinary diversion, we performed transvaginal closure of the bladder neck and percutaneous placement of a permanent suprapubic tube cystostomy. All 6 patients remained dry after closure and none has shown upper urinary tract deterioration at followup for as long as 5 years.     

Bladder perforation in a peritoneal dialysis patient

The dysfunction of the catheter in peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a frequent complication. However, perforation of organs are rare, particularly that of the urinary bladder. This requires an early diagnosis and prompt treatment of patients. We report here the case of a 38-year-old woman having end-stage renal disease due to autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease treated by PD since November 2000. Three years later, she was treated for Staphylococcal peritonitis. Four months later, she presented with a severe urge to urinate at the time of the fluid exchanges. The biochemical analysis of the fluid from the bladder showed that it was dialysis fluid. Injection of contrast through the catheter demonstrated the presence of a fistula between the bladder and the peritoneal cavity. She underwent cystoscopic closure of the fistulous tract and the PD catheter was removed. Subsequently, the patient was treated by hemodialysis. One month later, a second catheter was implanted surgically after confirming the closure of the fistula. Ten days later, she presented with pain at the catheter site and along the tunnel, which was found to be swollen along its track. The injection of contrast produced swelling of the subcutaneous tunnel but without extravasation of the dye. PD was withdrawn and the patient was put back on hemodialysis. Bladder fistula is a rare complication in PD and diagnosis should be suspected when patient complains of an urge to pass urine during the exchanges, which can be confirmed by contrast study showing presence of dye in the bladder. PD may be possible after the closure of the fistula, but recurrence may occur.     

Suprapubic catheter change resulting in terminal ileal perforation

Suprapubic cystostomy is commonly performed in patients with neurogenic bladder or bladder outlet obstruction. The most serious complication is bowel injury, which usually occurs during catheter insertion. Bowel perforation during suprapubic catheter exchange is rare. We herein report an extremely rare case of terminal ileal perforation resulting from a change of suprapubic catheter. After insertion of the suprapubic catheter, a feculent material was noted in the terminal ileum. A cystography revealed that the contrast medium passed directly into the terminal ileum and colon. A computed tomographic scan confirmed the presence of a balloon tip in the terminal ileum. Terminal ileum perforation was diagnosed. Emergent laparotomy and loop ileostomy were performed. The patient's recovery was uneventful.     

Laparoscopic rectovesical fistula repair

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rectovesical fistula (RVF) is a rare complication of radical prostatectomy. A 62- year-old man with clinically localized prostate cancer underwent open radical prostatectomy that was complicated by rectal injury and subsequent RVF development. Conservative management failed, and the patient was referred for surgical correction. TECHNIQUE: The operative steps consisted of (1) cystoscopy, (2) RVF catheterization, (3) ureteral catheterization, (4) five-port transperitoneal laparoscopic approach, (5) cystotomy, (6) opening of the fistulous tract, (7) dissection between the bladder and the rectum, (8) closure of the rectum, (9) interposition of omentum, (10) suprapubic cystostomy placement, (11) bladder closure, and (12) colostomy creation. RESULTS: The operative time was 240 minutes. The hospital stay was 3 days. The urethral catheter was kept indwelling for 4 days. At 8 weeks postoperatively, the suprapubic tube was removed and the colostomy reversed. At 1-month follow-up, the patient remains free of fistula recurrence. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic rectovesical fistula repair is feasible and represents an attractive alternative to the standard approaches.     

Ureteral implantation in peritoneum. Exceptional complication in renal transplantation

Because of the extraperitoneal location, generally used for renal grafting, intraperitoneal urine leaks are a rare complication after transplantation. We report a patient on peritoneal dialysis who developed ascites, abdominal pain, anuria and shock suddenly after renal transplantation. The patient was immediately taken back to the operating room. An abnormal implantation of ureter into the peritoneum overlying the bladder when carrying out an unstented parallel incision extravesical ureterone-ocystostomy was identified. After correcting ureter implantation the patient had immediate diuresis, renal function rapidly improved, with no further complications. Contributing causes were poor exposure, thickened peritoneum secondary to recurrent peritonitis, and the presence of residual peritoneal dialysis fluid.     

74例耻骨上膀胱穿刺造瘘术早期并发症的处理

目的：探讨耻骨上膀胱穿刺造瘘术早期并发症发生的原因及防治措施。方法：局麻下耻骨上膀胱穿刺造瘘术1600例患者中出现并发症的共74例，其中，穿刺误入腹腔3例，出血及血肿7例，尿外渗18例，改开放性手术造瘘5例，造瘘管脱落3例，膀胱刺激症状32例，感染6例，均给予相应的治疗。结果：经用不同的方法治疗，所有的并发症均获治愈或好转。结论：发生耻骨上膀胱穿刺造瘘术早期并发症的原因有解剖异常、操作失误、术前准备不充分和导尿管刺激等，正确操作、术前充分准备、术后严密观察和及时处理可以预防和治愈并发症。     

Injuries to the urethra and urinary bladder associated with fractures of the pelvis

The posterior urethra or urinary bladder may be injured in patients who sustain fractures of the bony pelvis. It is important to assess the urethra radiologically by retrograde urethrography before introducing a urethral catheter to avoid missing a urethral injury or causing further damage. The author's approach to the immediate management of urethral injury is suprapubic cystostomy. The urethra may be repaired later after other injuries have healed. With this approach the incidence of permanent impotence and incontinence will be low and the stricture cure rate high. If the urethra has not been injured, a catheter is introduced and cystography performed to rule out bladder injuries. If the bladder is ruptured, the area is explored, the perivesical space drained and urinary drainage is provided by either a suprapubic cystostomy or a urethral catheter.     

A case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from a suprapubic cystostomy tract

Background

Patients with spinal cord injury and a chronic indwelling urinary catheter are known to have an increased risk of bladder malignancy. However, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the epidermis around a suprapubic cystostomy is relatively rare. Here, we report a case of lower abdominal SCC arising from the suprapubic cystostomy tract.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old man with a complete spinal cord injury was referred to our hospital with a chief complaint of an abdominal mass. Abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a 7-cm mass surrounding the suprapubic cystostomy and bilateral inguinal and para-aortic lymph nodes metastasis. Histopathological examination of percutaneous biopsy specimens was performed. The diagnosis was stage IV (cT4N1M1) epidermal SCC, which was treated with palliative external radiation therapy.

Conclusion

The SCC in this case was thought to arise from mechanical stimulus of the suprapubic cystostomy. Physicians and patients should pay careful attention to any signs of neoplasms with long-term indwelling catheters, such as skin changes around the suprapubic cystostomy site. This case presentation is only the fourth report of SCC arising from the suprapubic cystostomy tract in the literature. In cases of unresectable tumors and contraindications to chemotherapy, palliative radiotherapy may lead to disease remission and symptom relief.     

Unsuccessful application of taurolidine in the treatment of fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis

Fungal peritonitis (FP) is a serious complication for peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, determining hospitalization, technique failure, catheter loss and death. In the 2005 update, treatment recommendations for FP from the International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) advocate catheter removal immediately after fungi are identified by microscopy or culture. The availability of more effective medical treatments could therefore be of great importance. The aim of this report is to describe a case of a 43-year-old, diabetic, HIV positive PD patient with fluconazole resistant Candida peritonitis, who was treated with an i.p. taurolidine solution. Taurolidine is a non-antibiotic antimicrobial, with broad bactericidal and fungicidal properties. It has been used during surgery for lavage of the peritoneum in cases of peritonitis. Its mechanism of action is related to direct toxic action on micro-organisms, through a chemical reaction between active taurolidine derivatives and structures on the cell wall. Treatment failed because the patient had severe burning pain during i.p. administration of the drug, limiting its dose. PD catheter removal allowed complete recovery. It remains undetermined if, with different doses and methodology, taurolidine could be more effective in treating bacterial and/or fungal peritonitis. Currently, catheter removal remains the most effective therapy of fungal peritonitis.     

Transient neurogenic bladder-emptying disorder caused by herpes genitalis following kidney transplantation

We report on a case of transient neurogenic dysfunction of the urinary bladder caused by herpes genitalis in a renal transplant patient. The patient noticed a slow urinary stream 3 days after the vesicular stage of the herpes genitalis. After 9 days complete urinary retention and loss of sensation developed, necessitating the insertion of suprapubic tube. Symptoms and residual urine spontaneously disappeared after 20 days. After removal of the suprapubic tube the patient could empty his bladder completely with good stream. 45 cases of this kind have been described in the literature. the cause is a sacral meningo-radiculitis with herpes simplex virus leading to a transient neuromotoric paralysis of the bladder.     

Subclavian aneurysm causing brachial plexus injury after removal of a subclavian catheter

The use of central venous catheters is associated with many different complications, some of which can be life threatening. Most complications associated with the use of central venous catheters are either immediate and occur around the time of catheter insertion, or are delayed and are related to the duration of catheter use. Complications occurring after removal of central venous catheters are reported infrequently but are still a cause of significant morbidity. The following case report illustrates a serious complication which occurred after a large gauge central venous catheter was removed from a patient and demonstrates the importance of close observation not only at the time of catheter placement but also when such devices are removed.      

Simplified percutaneous large bore suprapubic cystostomy for acute urinary retention—A cost saving procedure

Introduction and objectivesCommercial cystostomy kits/trocars are not always readily available in regions with insufficient funding. Open suprapubic cystostomy procedures are yet prevalent. This paper presents a simplified percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy technique that utilizes specially selected surgical blades in the place of commercial trocars.Subjects and methodsEighty-nine male patients with acute urinary retention underwent puncturing of the visibly and palpably distended bladder with surgical blade size 20 (7 mm diameter), 21 or 22 (9 mm diameter) to allow resistance-free placement of Foley catheter size 18 Fr (maximum diameter of 6 mm) or size 20 (maximum diameter of 6.7 mm) respectively under local anesthesia along the mid abdominal line in a sagittal direction – two finger breadths above the pubic symphysis. The main outcome measures were to determine the success rate and the encountered complications.ResultsSuccessful bladder puncture and insertion of the Foley catheter of choice was possible in all cases. There was no mortality and no adjacent visceral injury. There were two cases of catheter blockage with clots that were easily flushed out.ConclusionsEmergency cystostomy can be safely achieved through direct puncture of the visibly and palpably distended bladder with appropriately selected surgical blades that will subsequently allow resistance-free placement of sizable Foley catheters.     

Neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to spina bifida and sacral dysgenesis manifested itself in middle age. Report of a case

Congenital neurogenic bladder dysfunction with spina bifida and sacral dysgenesis manifested itself at middle age is reported. A 48-year-old male who had urinary retention and suprapubic cystostomy one year and a half before in another hospital was seen, asking for removal of the cystostomy. He had never had any neurologic or bladder dysfunction in his childhood and adulthood. X-ray examination revealed a bifid spine and sacral dysgenesis, bilateral hydronephrosis, bilateral VUR and urethral stricture. Uroflowmetry showed a severe dysuric pattern (voided volume 5 ml, residual urine 230 ml) and the cystometrogram revealed a hyperactive bladder. Optical urethrotomy for stricture yielded some improvement i.e. recovery of voluntary voiding with large amount of residual urine. TUR of the bladder neck resulted in almost complete voiding. Cohen's antireflux operation yielded favorable improvement of hydronephrosis. The bladder and renal function remained favorable in the follow-up period of about two years. The clinical course of this patient suggested that his bladder dysfunction was due to late manifestation of congenital neurogenic bladder.