Iatrogenic Bladder Injury During Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Case Report and Discussion of Anatomic Variations

TL;DR

A case report discusses a bladder injury during a laparoscopic hysterectomy, emphasizing the importance of understanding anatomical variations and surgical challenges.

Contribution

The paper contributes a detailed case report highlighting anatomical challenges and management of iatrogenic bladder injuries during hysterectomy.

Findings

Iatrogenic bladder injury occurred during laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy in a patient with a complex surgical history.

Previous surgeries likely caused adhesions, complicating dissection and increasing injury risk.

The case underscores the need for awareness of anatomical variations and careful intraoperative management.

Abstract

Hysterectomy, one of the most common surgical procedures performed in women worldwide, assumes a very important role in the definitive management of diverse gynecologic conditions. This case report presents a compelling instance of an iatrogenic bladder perforation that occurred during laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy in a 47-year-old woman with a high body mass index, extensive surgical history, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Despite considerable preoperative planning and the use of minimally invasive techniques, the occurrence of physician-induced bladder perforation highlights the significance of understanding anatomical relationships and variations. The patient’s previous abdominal surgeries including two cesarean sections, appendectomy, and cholecystectomy likely contributed to scar formation and adhesions, making dissection challenging. The case report and following discussion delve into anatomical variations, as well as the diagnosis and management of iatrogenic bladder injuries. The presented case serves as a valuable addition to the literature, contributing insights into the challenges and considerations surrounding urinary tract injuries during hysterectomy. This paper aims to review current research and guide practicing obstetricians and gynecologists in the management of intraoperative bladder injuries.

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