Perioperative findings and long-term impact of urinary bladder injuries secondary to cesarean delivery: A retrospective analysis of 67 cases

Adem Tuncekin; Mehmet Yigit Yalcin

doi:10.5281/zenodo.13821234

Authors

Adem Tuncekin Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Department of Urology, Sanliurfa, Türkiye. Usak University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Urology, Usak, Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9951-2556
Mehmet Yigit Yalcin Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital, Department of Urology, Sanliurfa, Türkiye. Sadıka Sabancı State Hospital, Department of Urology, Sakarya , Türkiye https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9943-7453

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13821234

Keywords:

Caesarean delivery, caesarean section, lowers urinary tract symptoms, urinary bladder injury, urinary bladder trauma

Abstract

Objective: The urinary bladder injury after cesarean delivery is rare but significant. Our study aimed to identify significant perioperative findings in bladder injuries secondary to cesarean delivery and assess their long-term impact on bladder functions.

Materials and methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed 67 patients with bladder injuries from cesarean deliveries treated at our hospital between September 2018 and February 2023. The study included only cases involving surgical repair of these injuries related to cesarean delivery. Data were collected on patient demographics, medical and surgical history, injury details, treatment methods, and postoperative outcomes, including bladder function assessments and complications within a year after surgery.

Results: Between September 2018 and February 2023, 123.296 pregnant women were admitted to our hospital for birth; 46.786 (38%) cesarean deliveries occurred, and 67 (0.14%) patients suffered bladder injuries. Diagnosis was made intraoperatively in 58 (86.56%) patients and postoperatively in 9 (13.43%) patients. The mean age of the patients was 33.8±5.08 years and the mean number of cesarean sections the patients had undergone was 3.25±1.23. The mean bladder defect size was 4.46±2.91 cm, and they were most frequently observed in the bladder dome. Lower urinary tract symptoms were observed in 4 (5.97%) patients in the early period (postoperative 1st month) and in 12 (17.91%) patients in the late period (after 1st month), and the most common symptom was dysuria.

Conclusions: Bladder injury during cesarean delivery is a rare but serious condition. Immediate repair is crucial when the injury is visible. Any suspected injury in the postoperative period should prompt diagnostic procedures and subsequent treatment without delay. Regular follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring postoperative complications and bladder functions.

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