Management of Genitourinary Injuries in Patients with Pelvic Fractures

Abstract

Associated injuries frequently occur in patients with pelvic fractures. These include intrapelvic vessel hemorrhage, urinary bladder rupture and membranous urethral avulsion in males. Recently, non-operative methods of managing hemorrhage have been popular. Male patients with pelvic fractures (282) were reviewed to evaluate experience with lower genitourinary injuries. Early recognition as opposed to early repair is important in bladder injuries and surgical repair is advised, except in patients who may be managed by catheter drainage alone. Delayed complications of bladder injury are rare. Membranous urethral injuries entail a high risk of chronic stricture disease and sexual impotence. Delayed repair for these injuries is advanced.