Bladder perforation from capsaicin infusion : A case report.

ABSTRACT

We reported a 36 year old patient, with a spinal cord lesion who had bladder perforation during an infusion of 400 mls of Capsaicin (1mMol in 30% alcohol) for treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia. Under spinal anesthesia during the procedure he was restless and complained of chest discomfort. The operation was therefore terminated and a cystogram was carried out. Cystography showed extraperitoneal leakage of contrast media. He was treated conservatively and had an uneventful post-operative period. To prevent this complication, we therefore recommend an infusion volume of Capsaicin of between half to two-thirds of the patients bladder capacity together with pressure monitoring during the procedure.