Intraperitoneal bladder rupture following mild blunt trauma: A rare case report

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Intraperitoneal bladder rupture is a rare complication of blunt abdominal trauma, occurring in less than 1 % of cases. Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are crucial to prevent severe complications. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a 62-year-old male presenting with hypogastric pain and peritonitis following a low-impact fall. Imaging revealed intraperitoneal bladder rupture without pelvic fractures. Emergency laparotomy confirmed a 13 cm rupture of the bladder dome, treated with two-layer repair, cystostomy, and lavage. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with complete bladder integrity confirmed after 15 days. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Bladder trauma management depends on rupture type: extraperitoneal ruptures are typically managed conservatively, whereas intraperitoneal ruptures require surgical intervention. For intraperitoneal injuries, guidelines recommend laparotomy for repair and postoperative cystography. CONCLUSION: This case underscores the importance of recognizing rare presentations of bladder trauma and addressing underlying risk factors like urinary retention to improve patient outcomes.