Genitourinary Trauma

Genitourinary Trauma

Genitourinary Trauma

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GU Trauma Overview - Basics & Beyond

  • Mechanisms: Blunt (MVCs, falls, assaults; ~80-85%), Penetrating (GSW, stabs).
  • Initial Approach: ATLS guidelines. Suspect with pelvic fractures, flank/lower abdominal pain, hematuria.
  • FAST exam: May detect free fluid (blood) suggesting intra-abdominal or retroperitoneal injury.
  • Key Signs: Hematuria (gross/microscopic), flank pain/ecchymosis (Grey Turner's sign), blood at urethral meatus.

⭐ Blood at the urethral meatus is a cardinal sign of urethral injury; blind Foley catheterization is contraindicated. Perform RUG first.

Renal Trauma - Kidney Calamities

AAST Renal Injury Scale

  • Most common GU injury; blunt trauma predominates.
  • Signs: Hematuria (gross/micro), flank pain/ecchymosis, Grey Turner's sign.
  • AAST Renal Injury Scale (I-V) guides management:
    • I: Subcapsular hematoma/contusion.
    • II: Cortical laceration <1 cm, no extravasation.
    • III: Cortical laceration >1 cm, no extravasation.
    • IV: Collecting system laceration OR vascular injury (main artery/vein).
    • V: Shattered kidney OR hilar avulsion.
  • Imaging: CECT (Contrast-Enhanced CT) is gold standard.
  • Management:
    • Non-operative (NOM) for most hemodynamically stable Grades I-III & selected IV.
    • Surgery for: Hemodynamic instability, expanding/pulsatile hematoma, Grade V, UPJ avulsion.

⭐ UPJ disruption can occur with minimal or no hematuria, especially in pediatric deceleration injuries or penetrating trauma near hilum.

Ureter & Bladder Trauma - Leaky Pipes

  • Ureteral Injury:
    • Causes: Iatrogenic (gynae/colorectal surgery) > penetrating trauma.
    • Dx: Delayed (fever, urinoma); CT urogram (gold standard), retrograde pyelography.
    • Rx: Stenting; surgical repair (uretero-ureterostomy, ureteroneocystostomy, Boari flap, psoas hitch).
  • Bladder Injury:
    • Often with pelvic fractures. Gross hematuria common.
    • Dx: Retrograde cystogram / CT cystography.
      • 📌 Mnemonic: "Bladder on the floor, and 4 more" (pelvic #, gross hematuria, abd tenderness, shock, perineal/scrotal hematoma) - indications for cystography.
    • Types & Rx:
      • Contusion: Conservative.
      • Extraperitoneal: Catheter drainage (7-14 days); surgery if bladder neck injury/bone fragments.
      • Intraperitoneal: ALWAYS surgical repair (laparotomy).

        ⭐ Intraperitoneal bladder rupture requires surgical repair due to risk of chemical peritonitis. Bladder Trauma Gradingoka

Urethral Trauma - Tube Troubles

  • Types & Mechanism:
    • Posterior (PUI): Pelvic # (membranous/prostatic). Associated with bladder neck injury.
    • Anterior (AUI): Straddle injury (bulbous), penetrating.
  • Clinical Triad (PUI): Blood at meatus, inability to void, palpable bladder.
    • Other signs: Perineal/scrotal hematoma ("butterfly" for AUI), high-riding prostate (PUI).
  • Diagnosis: Retrograde Urethrogram (RUG). ⚠️ No Foley before RUG if suspected.
  • Management: Initial Suprapubic Cystostomy (SPC) for complete tears/failed Foley. Definitive: Delayed repair (3-6 months).

⭐ Blood at the meatus is the single most important sign of urethral injury. Retrograde Urethrogram: Urethral Injury Extravasation

External Genitalia Trauma - Genital Gear Gaffes

  • Penile Trauma:
    • Fracture ("Eggplant Sign"): Tunica albuginea rupture (often coitus-related). Urgent surgical repair.
    • Zipper Entrapment: Common in boys. Mineral oil, gentle release. Rarely, dorsal slit.
    • Strangulation (rings/bands): Remove constricting object; may need specialized tools.
  • Testicular Trauma:
    • Blunt (sports, kicks): Hematoma, contusion, rupture. Ultrasound is diagnostic.
    • Scrotal Avulsion (degloving): Requires skin grafting or thigh pouches for testicular preservation.
  • Female Vulvar Trauma:
    • Straddle injuries: Most common. Results in hematomas, lacerations. Often conservative management.

    ⭐ Testicular rupture: High suspicion with direct trauma, severe pain, nausea/vomiting. Surgical exploration within 72 hours offers best salvage rates. Surgical repair of penile fracture

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Renal trauma is most common, usually blunt; hematuria is a cardinal sign, but not always present.
  • CT with IV contrast is the diagnostic gold standard for renal and ureteric injuries.
  • Posterior urethral injury is often linked to pelvic fractures; suspect with blood at meatus or high-riding prostate.
  • Intraperitoneal bladder rupture (dome) mandates surgical repair; extraperitoneal often managed conservatively.
  • Testicular rupture requires prompt surgical exploration and repair to salvage the testis.

Practice Questions: Genitourinary Trauma

Test your understanding with these related questions

A man is brought to the emergency after he fell into a man hole and injured his perineum. He feels the urge to micturate but is unable to pass urine and there is blood at the tip of the meatus with extensive swelling of the penis and scrotum. What is the location of the injury?

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Flashcards: Genitourinary Trauma

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Injury to Zone _____ of the retroperitoneum with a _____ hematoma should be treated surgically.

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Injury to Zone _____ of the retroperitoneum with a _____ hematoma should be treated surgically.

2; pulsatile::pulsatile/non-pulsatile

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