To compare the clinical characteristics between intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal bladder ruptures.

58 patients with a bladder rupture were divided into group A (34 intraperitoneal rupture) and group B (24 extraperitoneal rupture). The medical records and radiological findings were retrospectively reviewed.

The follow up period in all patients was 5.8±4.5 months (1-20 months). The male to female ratios and the mean ages in groups A and B were 14:3, 17:7 and 43.9±14.2, 46.4±14.8 years, respectively (p>0.05), with the peak incidence being in the fifth and sixth decades. There were no statistical differences in the urologic symptoms and signs between groups A and B. The common cause of injuries in groups A and B were direct blow (41.3%) and out-car traffic accident (54.1%), respectively (p<0.05). The main associated injuries in groups A and B were pelvic bone fractures or intestinal injuries and pelvic bone fractures, respectively. The treatment modalities were an operation in 32 (94.1%) in group A; all group B cases were conservatively managed. The durations of catheter indwelling were 17.0±9.4 and 22.7±10.9 days in groups A and B, respectively (p<0.05).

The bladder rupture occurred commonly in the fifth and sixth decades, especially in males. The most frequent causes of intraperitoneal and extraperitoneal ruptures were a direct blow and a traffic accident, respectively. Pelvic bone fractures were the most common associated injury, especially with extraperitoneal ruptures. In contrast to an extraperitoneal rupture, most intraperitoneal ruptures were managed by operative methods. The duration of catheter indwelling was significantly shorter with intraperitoneal than extraperitoneal ruptures.