Trauma to the urinary tract
Summary: Immediate urological referral indicated
Advice: Immediate urological referral indicated.
Refer To: Any adult urologist
Contents:
Clinical information
Injuries to the kidney, bladder or urethra usually result in haematuria, sometimes associated with local bruising. In the event of urethral bleeding following trauma, do not attempt to catheterise the patient before admission. The majority of such injuries present to A&E Departments and not to GPs.
Penile injuries (e.g. zipper injuries to the foreskin or frenular tears) do not necessarily require urgent referral.
Coital injuries (e.g. fractured penis, traumatic cavernous fibrosis, rupture of the dorsal suspensory ligament), however, should be referred as emergencies.
Scrotal injuries are best assessed by ultrasound. If there is any suggestion of closed injury to the testis or of a contaminated, open wound, immediate urological referral is recommended.