Bladder dysfunction after ketamine abuse
Anders Borg Andersen, Reem Falah Kadhum Alrubaie, Morten Jønler, Tommy Kjærgaard Nielsen
Ugeskrift for Læger March 26, 2026 DOI: 10.61409/v08250665 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A 29-year-old male with prior testicular cancer and daily ketamine use |
| Interventions | Ketamine Botulinum toxin type A Bladder distension |
| Topics | Esketamine Ketamine |
| Key findings | The authors report that daily ketamine use was associated with severe bladder fibrosis that progressed despite botulinum toxin type A, bladder distension, and medications, leading to hydronephrosis, recurrent urosepsis, acute kidney injury requiring nephrostomies, and eventual Bricker bladder creation. They argue ketamine-associated uropathy is underrecognized and that early cessation and targeted intervention are important. |
Abstract
A 29-year-old male with prior testicular cancer and daily ketamine use developed severe lower urinary tract symptoms due to bladder fibrosis. Despite multiple treatments – botulinum toxin type A , bladder distension, and medications - his condition progressed to hydronephrosis, recurrent urosepsis, and acute kidney injury requiring nephrostomies. Eventually, a Bricker bladder was created. The case highlights ketamine-associated uropathy as an ongoing and underrecognized issue, stressing the importance of early cessation and targeted intervention.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on ketamine, most cited first.