Augmentation of the urinary bladder is a popular surgical procedure for increasing the capacity and lowering the intraluminal pressure in patients whose bladder is small, noncompliant, or has high pressure. Among 250 augmentations performed at our hospital, nine patients have had 16 episodes of postoperative extravasation of urine from their augmented bladder. Thirteen episodes were studied by fluoroscopically monitored contrast cystography, which was diagnostic in 12. One patient's perforation was noted during an unrelated operation and the other two died of peritonitis before cystography could be performed. Four episodes occurred early, within 3 weeks of surgery. All were at a surgical anastomosis and presumably represented incomplete healing. Each patient with an early episode of extravasation had a perforation later. Nine perforations occurred from 1.0 to 6.5 months after the augmentation. Of these, three occurred at an anastomosis and four occurred in the augmenting segment. The locations of two were never fully documented. Three perforations occurred late, from 2.5 to 6.0 years after surgery, and all were in the augmenting segment. Three of the nine patients died of complications associated with perforation. Perforation of the bladder is not rare and is a potentially fatal complication of augmentation. Whenever a patient who has undergone augmentation has signs or symptoms suggesting perforation, cystography can play a crucial role in diagnosis and should be performed without delay.
The trachea and bronchial airways in children are subject to compromise by a number of extrinsic and intrinsic conditions, including congenital, inflammatory, infectious, traumatic, and neoplastic processes. Stridor, wheezing, and respiratory distress are the most common indications for imaging of the airway in children. Frontal and lateral chest and/or neck radiography constitute the initial investigations of choice in most cases. Options for additional imaging include airway fluoroscopy, contrast esophagography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Advanced imaging techniques such as dynamic airway CT, CT angiography, MR angiography, and cine MR imaging are valuable for providing relevant vascular and functional information in certain settings. Postprocessing techniques such as multiplanar reformatting, volume rendering, and virtual bronchoscopy assist in surgical planning by providing a better representation of three-dimensional anatomy. A systematic approach to imaging the airway based on clinical symptoms and signs is essential for the prompt, safe, and accurate diagnosis of tracheobronchial disorders in children.
Neonates and Umbilical Venous Catheters: Normal Appearance, Anomalous Positions, Complications, and Potential Aid to DiagnosisAlan E. Schlesinger1, Richard M. Braverman1 and Michael A. DiPietro2Audio Available | Share
