SUPRAPUBIC aspiration of the bladder has proved to be a safe and rapid means for collection of urine from infants and children.1 By avoiding urethral and perineal contamination, specimens so obtained are especially suitable for bactriologic diagnosis when rapid identification of urinary tract infection is desirable. Although an obvious potential risk, we are not aware that aspiration of a viscus other than the urinary bladder has been previously reported as a result of this procedure. Our purpose is to present three infants in whom attempted suprapubic aspiration of urine resulted in perforation of the bowel in two, and of a large cystic duplication of the vagina in a third.
Report of Cases
Case 1.—A 3-month-old white boy was admitted for evaluation of lethargy, constipation, and abdominal distention of two days' duration. On physical examination his weight was 5.3 kg (12 lb 15 ounces), temperature was 103 F (39.6 C)