Nonoperative Management of Major Blunt Renal Trauma in Children: In-Hospital Morbidity and Long-Term Followup

Abstract

The management of 26 children with major renal injury secondary to blunt trauma was reviewed. Emergency computerized tomography (CT) was performed in all instances. Injury ranged from parenchymal laceration to vascular avulsion. Early surgical exploration was done in 5 children due to hemodynamic instability, renal pedicle injury or suspected malignancy. The remaining 21 children were observed. Of these children 5 had associated intra-abdominal organ injuries. The average length of hospitalization was 13.4 days and the average intensive care unit stay was 6.9 days. A third of the children were transfused with an average 10.8 cc/kg. of packed red cells. Ten patients (47.6%) had febrile episodes that lasted an average of 3 days. No foci of infection other than bladder urine were identified and there were no infected perirenal collections. In 2 children ureteral stents were placed cystoscopically. Exploration was performed in 1 child for delayed hemorrhage 2 months after hospital discharge. Followup CT was available in 15 patients and all kidneys functioned, including 3 with residual focal scarring, 2 with parenchymal calcifications and 1 with a cyst. Eleven patients were evaluated clinically at least 1 year after injury and all were asymptomatic, while 1 child had mild diastolic hypertension. In conclusion, nonoperative management results in an excellent long-term outcome in the majority of cases. In-hospital morbidity is minimal and early surgical exploration should be reserved for those with hemodynamic instability or renal pedicle injury. Immediate CT is an invaluable aid in categorizing and managing these patients.