Gangrene of the bladder due to over distention.

Massive over distention of the bladder in a man caused necrosis of the mucosa and submucosa, which then separated from the muscularis of the bladder. Suprapubic removal of the necrotic tissue followed by prolonged drainage resulted in regeneration of the mucosa. Normal bladder function returned after transurethral resection of the obstructing prostate. Diagnosis of this rare condition is confirmed when necrotic tissue occludes the eyes of catheters so that fluid can be instilled into but not removed from the bladder.