Genitourinary Trauma

Genitourinary Trauma

Genitourinary Trauma

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GU Basics & Renal Trauma - First Aid & Kidney Cracks

  • Primary Survey: ABCDEs. Suspect GU injury with flank pain, tenderness, ecchymosis (Grey Turner's/Cullen's signs), or hematuria.
  • Renal Trauma: Most common GU organ injured, primarily by blunt trauma (MVCs, falls).
    • Key Imaging Indications (CT Scan):
      • All penetrating trauma.
      • Blunt trauma with gross hematuria.
      • Blunt trauma with microscopic hematuria AND shock (SBP < 90 mmHg).
      • Major deceleration injuries.
      • Pediatric trauma with >50 RBCs/HPF.

⭐ Hematuria (gross or microscopic) with shock is a strong indicator for renal imaging in trauma.

AAST Renal Injury Grading

  • Management Principles:
    • Most renal injuries (Grades I-III, select IV) managed non-operatively.
    • Surgery for: hemodynamic instability, Grade V (e.g., shattered kidney, pedicle injury), expanding/pulsatile retroperitoneal hematoma. 📌 SHOCK + HEMATURIA = CT SCAN!

Ureter & Bladder Trauma - Tube Trouble & Tank Tears

Ureteric Injury:

  • Causes: Iatrogenic (gynae/colorectal surgery > urologic), penetrating trauma. Blunt (rare).
    • 📌 "Water under the bridge": Uterine artery crosses ureter.
  • Sx: Often delayed. Flank pain, fever, urinoma, hematuria.
  • Dx: CT urogram (gold standard), retrograde pyelography.
  • Mx:
    • Partial: Stenting, primary repair.
    • Complete: Ureteroureterostomy, Boari flap, psoas hitch.

Bladder Injury:

  • Assoc. w/ pelvic fractures (~80%).
  • Types: Contusion, Extraperitoneal (EPR), Intraperitoneal (IPR).
  • Sx: Gross hematuria, suprapubic pain, inability to void.
    • EPR: Localized signs.
    • IPR: Peritonitis.
  • Dx: Retrograde cystography / CT cystography.
    • EPR: "Molar tooth" sign (extravasation).
    • IPR: Contrast around bowel.

⭐ Pelvic fracture with gross hematuria strongly suggests bladder injury; cystography is key.

  • Mx:
    • Contusion/EPR (uncomplicated): Catheter drainage (7-14 days).
    • IPR/EPR (complicated): Surgical repair.

CT showing bladder rupture with contrast extravasation

Urethral & Genital Trauma - Pipe Pain & Parts Predicament

  • Urethral Injury:
    • Types: Posterior (pelvic #; prostatomembranous), Anterior (straddle; bulbar/pendulous).
    • Signs: 📌 BUMPH (Blood at meatus, Unable to void, Meatal/perineal swelling, Pelvic fracture, High-riding prostate).
    • ⭐ Blood at the urethral meatus is a cardinal sign of urethral injury; perform Retrograde Urethrogram (RUG) before catheterization.

    • Management:
      • Partial tear: Suprapubic cystostomy (SPC) or gentle catheter. Early endoscopic realignment possible.
      • Complete tear: SPC, then delayed repair (3-6 months). Early endoscopic realignment also an option.
    • Complications: Stricture, incontinence, impotence.
  • Penile Fracture:
    • Rupture of tunica albuginea (corpus cavernosum). Audible snap, pain, detumescence, "Eggplant" deformity.
    • Surgical emergency: immediate repair.
  • Testicular Trauma:
    • Blunt (common) or penetrating.
    • Dx: Ultrasound (integrity, hematoma).
    • Mgmt: Conservative (contusion/small hematoma). Surgery for rupture/large hematoma. Retrograde urethrogram showing contrast extravasation

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Renal trauma: Most common; hematuria is key sign; CT scan for diagnosis.
  • Bladder rupture: Suspect with pelvic fractures & gross hematuria; retrograde cystography is diagnostic. Intraperitoneal type needs surgery.
  • Posterior urethral injury: With pelvic fractures; blood at meatus, high-riding prostate. RUG confirms.
  • Anterior urethral injury: Typically from straddle injury.
  • Testicular rupture: Needs surgical exploration; ultrasound aids diagnosis.
  • Penile fracture: Tunica albuginea rupture; a surgical emergency_._

Practice Questions: Genitourinary Trauma

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Examine the abdominal X-ray shown. What is the most likely diagnosis based on the findings?

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Flashcards: Genitourinary Trauma

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Grade _____ renal injury includes laceration of without urinary extravasation

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Grade _____ renal injury includes laceration of without urinary extravasation

II

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