Question from ejwright

I had this compication after my neo surgery. The wound drain in my left lower abdomen was filling with urine. I had to empty that suction drain about every half hour or so. It was very stressful to think that urine was leaking into my abdomen, but my doctor was not concerned at all. He said it would heal and close up on its own. The leak continued for the whole time I was in the hospital (8 days) and for a week at home. The leak slowly decreased and after a little over 2 weeks it resolved and they removed the drain. My other concern was infection, but I was told that urine in your body is sterile and does not become unsterile until it is voided. I think your son will be just fine after the neo has time to heal.

KC

Computed tomography (CT) is an accurate method for evaluating such events. Multiplanar reformatting and three-dimensional volume rendering of multidetector CT image data are particularly useful for achieving an accurate and prompt diagnosis of complications and obtaining information that is essential for adequate surgical management. In addition, knowledge of urinary diversion procedures, normal postsurgical appearances, and optimal CT technique for postsurgical evaluations is essential for detecting complications and avoiding misdiagnosis.
So if they haven't done a CT see that they do and hope there is a competent team of pathologists where he is.
Pat

Hello ejwright,

During my recovery in hospital after RC I too sprung a leak in the neo and my lower right abdomin filled with fluid. This was not a pleasant experience and caused a lot of pain along with a very swollen belly.

A new drain was added to the collection of drains I had and the flood gates opened and within minutes I had instant relief.

The lab tests confirmed the fluid to be a mix of urine and wound fluid. The idea alone to have urine leaking in your body is not something I wanted to hear of course.

The Urologist felt no need to patch up the neo as it would heal on its own and the body would absorb the excess.

I did get better very quickly after this episode and had no further problems.

I wish your son a quick recovery from this hurdle and for his recovery to be speedy.

Kind Regards
Leigh

I did not have the problem with leaking but I did have a couple of areas of fluid collection. The cause was lymphatic fluid due to the removal lymph nodes during the surgery.

In my case, the fluid was absorbed into my body over a period of months and my follow up scans showed it to be gone.

Mike

ejwright posted this question in the chat room. I am posting it here in case someone can answer his question.

"My son was diagnosed with squamous cell bladder cancer in March of this year. He had neobladder surgery in April. His recovery has been rough. He has been in the hospital for a week with what they thought was a bowel obstruction. He has developed a large fluid collection in his abdomen and they now think his neobladder is leaking. Has anyone had this problem?"