Nonoperative treatment of major blunt renal lacerations with urinary extravasation

PURPOSE: We determined whether nonoperative treatment of major renal lacerations with urinary extravasation adversely affects patient outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed all nonoperatively treated patients who presented between 1983 and 1994 with blunt renal trauma with major lacerations on initial staging computerized tomography. Patients with major lacerations associated with (31) and without (15) extravasation were compared for complications, blood transfusions and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Urinary extravasation spontaneously resolved in 27 of 31 patients (87.1%), while 4 (12.9%) required a ureteral stent for persistent extravasation. No complications occurred in patients without extravasation. Mean hospitalization was 8.3 and 7.7 days for patients with isolated renal injuries with and without extravasation, respectively. Blood transfusions were required in 4 patients with and none without extravasation. CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperative treatment of major renal lacerations with urinary extravasation is safe and effective. Although delayed intervention may be required, complications can often be treated with endourological or percutaneous methods.