Complications of ultrasound-guided cystocentesis in companion animals: 21 cases (2005–2016)

Abstract

Complications of cystocentesis in dogs and cats are seldom reported. The aim of this study was to describe clinical andultrasonographic features of complications after diagnostic cystocentesis. Medical records of animals that underwent ultrasound-guideddiagnostic cystocentesis (UGDC) were retrospectively reviewed to describe adverse events. The inclusion criteria were: ultrasoundreport describing the complication, signalment, clinical history, urine culture, and surgical exploration or necroscopic findings if present.Images of ultrasonographic examination were reviewed. Complications were classified as minor and major. Minor complications weredefined as self-limited events; major complications were those that led to prolonged hospitalization and required intensive therapy orsurgery, or lead to death. Twenty-one cases met the inclusion criteria (20 animals). Major complications included septic peritonitis (n= 2), big vessel laceration (n = 2), and acute abdomen (n = 1). Death occurred in two cases (septic peritonitis). Minor complicationsincluded nodular fat necrosis (n = 1), abdominal wall abscess formation (n = 1), intraluminal blood clots (n = 2), self-limited bleeding(n = 5), wall bladder hematoma (n = 3), bladder mucosal detachment (n = 1), intraparietal gas bubbles (n = 2), and focal peritonitisadjacent to bladder (n = 1). Findings of this study can be useful to promptly identify complications after UGDC and to ensure a propertreatment and follow-up.