Genito-urinary system injuries in Lagos: pattern and general treatment outcome

Abstract

Genitourinary injuries (GUI) are relatively uncommon. Even though mortality from isolated injuries is rare, they are commonly associated with significant and life long morbidity. This study is to assess the pattern of the injuries and the overall short term treatment outcome in our environment. Fifty consecutive patients diagnosed with genitourinary injuries seen by the Urology Unit through the Accident and Emergency, emergency referrals (or consultations) from the ward or theatre between June 2004 to February 2006 were included in the study. Information collected included demographic data, pattern of presentation, aetiology of injury, type of injury the type of treatment and the immediate outcome. There was a total of 61 injuries in 50 patients. Road traffic accidents was the commonest cause of GUI (58%) followed by straddle injuries (18%) and iatrogenic causes (12%) and miscellaneous (12%). The male- female ratio was 6:1. The urethral was also the most commonly injured organ (60.6%), followed by the kidney (11.5%). The testes were the least injured organs (1.6%). The blunt renal injuries and extraperitoneal bladder injuries were managed by non operative means while most other injuries were managed by surgical intervention. Immediate treatment outcome was satisfactory in most patients. There was one mortality. Most cases of GUI are preventable. Improved safety on the roads,'proper training of surgeons and attention to clinical and surgical details will go a long way in preventing GUI. Early intervention significantly reduces the morbidity and mortality.