In all three types the bladder contracts, but the contractions are generally not sufficient to empty the viscus completely, and residual urine is left in the bladder.
The most common cause is a perforated abdominal viscus, generally a perforated peptic ulcer, although any part of the bowel may perforate from a benign ulcer, tumor or abdominal trauma.
Retained gastric material up to three hours after a meal will generate a splash sound and indicate the presence of a hollow viscus filled with both fluid and gas.
