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Case Report
An uncommon infection after transurethral resection for bladder tumor: Emphysematous cystitis
1 Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman, Turkey
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Ferhat Çoban
Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Adiyaman University, Adiyaman 02000,
Turkey
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Article ID: 100056Z15FC2025
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Çoban F. An uncommon infection after transurethral resection for bladder tumor: Emphysematous cystitis. J Case Rep Images Urol 2025;10(2):10–13.ABSTRACT
Introduction: Emphysematous cystitis (EC) is a rare but potentially life-threatening form of complicated urinary tract infection, typically associated with diabetes mellitus and urological instrumentation. Computed tomography is considered the most sensitive diagnostic tool.
Case Report: We present a 51-year-old male with a history of diabetes mellitus who developed EC three weeks after undergoing transurethral resection (TUR) for a large bladder tumor. The patient was admitted with severe dysuria and suprapubic pain. Laboratory findings were leukocytosis, hyperglycemia, elevated C-reactive protein, and impaired renal function. Computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse bladder wall thickening and intramural air densities localized at the previous TUR site. Broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics, bladder drainage with an indwelling catheter, and daily bladder irrigation were performed. No pathogens grew in urine and blood cultures. After 14 days, clinical and radiological findings completely resolved.
Conclusion: Emphysematous cystitis is an uncommon, but serious infection that can develop after urological interventions such as TUR. Early diagnosis with CT, prompt antibiotic therapy, and effective bladder drainage are essential for favorable outcomes. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility in patients with diabetes undergoing extensive bladder tumor resections.
Keywords: Emphysematous cystitis, Pneumaturia, Transurethral resection, Urinary tract infections
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No generative artificial intelligence tools were used in the preparation of this study.
Author ContributionsFerhat Çoban - Conception of the work, Design of the work, Acquisition of data, Analysis of data, Drafting the work, Revising the work critically for important intellectual content, Final approval of the version to be published, Agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work are appropriately investigated and resolved.
Guaranter of SubmissionThe corresponding author is the guarantor of submission.
Source of SupportNone
Consent StatementWritten informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this article.
Data AvailabilityAll relevant data are within the paper and its Supporting Information files.
Conflict of InterestAuthor declares no conflict of interest.
Copyright© 2025 Ferhat Çoban. This article is distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium provided the original author(s) and original publisher are properly credited. Please see the copyright policy on the journal website for more information.
