Ketamine-linked bladder damage could increase need for stomas

An expert at Aintree University Hospital warns long-term ketamine use can cause severe bladder damage that may lead to bladder removal and stomas. The hospital has opened a specialist clinic to treat people with ketamine-related bladder injury.

Medical staff at Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool say long-term ketamine use can cause serious bladder damage that, in some cases, may lead to bladder removal and the need for a stoma. The observation follows a rise in recreational ketamine use over recent years. The hospital has opened a specialist clinic to care for patients with ketamine-associated bladder injury. Consultant urological surgeon Katie Moore said use has risen sharply in the last five years. Key facts: - Aintree clinicians report cases of severe bladder injury linked to long-term ketamine use that can require major surgery, including bladder removal and a stoma. - A specialist clinic has been established at Aintree to assess and treat people with ketamine-related bladder problems. - Clinicians report a marked increase in ketamine use over recent years, leading to more cases presenting for care. - Ketamine is also used as an anaesthetic in medical and veterinary practice, but recreational use has been rising. Summary: Healthcare teams report increasing cases of ketamine-related bladder injury and have established specialist services to manage patients. More people may require surgical procedures, including bladder removal and stoma formation, if those harms continue. Undetermined at this time.