When Elevated Creatinine Is Not What It Seems: Intraperitoneal Urinary Leak Mimicking Acute Kidney Injury
2024

Intraperitoneal Urinary Leak Mimicking Acute Kidney Injury

publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Muacevic Alexander, Adler John R, Ahmed Hatem, Mansour Mohamed K, Obeid Hamza

Primary Institution: Phoenixville Hospital - Tower Health Medical Group, Phoenixville, USA; Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, ARE

Hypothesis

Intraperitoneal urinary leaks can mimic acute kidney injury in post-pelvic surgery patients.

Conclusion

Intraperitoneal urinary leaks should be considered in post-pelvic surgery patients with unexplained serum creatinine elevations to avoid significant morbidity.

Supporting Evidence

  • The patient initially misdiagnosed with a urinary tract infection later presented with elevated creatinine.
  • An abdominal MRI revealed a fluid collection behind the bladder, indicative of a urinoma.
  • Foley catheter placement led to significant improvement in symptoms and renal function.

Takeaway

Sometimes, after surgery, a leak can happen that makes it look like your kidneys are not working well, but it's actually just urine leaking into the belly.

Methodology

Case report of a male patient with elevated creatinine after prostatectomy, diagnosed with an intraperitoneal urinary leak.

Limitations

The study is based on a single case report, limiting generalizability.

Participant Demographics

65-year-old male with a history of polycystic kidney disease and prostate cancer.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.7759/cureus.75017

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