SIMULTANEOUS TRAUMATIC BLADDER PERFORATION AND DISRUPTION OF THE PROSTATOMEMBRANOUS URETHRA

The simultaneous occurrence of disruption of the prostatomembranous urethra and traumatic perforation of the bladder is seldom diagnosed before operation for the urethral injury. The presence of posterior disruption can make radiological diagnosis of the concomitant bladder perforation difficult. Lack of a palpable bladder a few hours after urethral injury should arouse suspicion of a combined injury. Careful bladder examination is indicated at the time of operation for all cases of posterior urethral injury to eliminate possible bladder perforations and the significant increase in morbidity and mortality associated with their presence.