Genitourinary Trauma in the Modern Era of Warfare

Abstract

Genitourinary trauma has become increasingly commonplace in the modern era of warfare. During the global war on terror, rates of genitourinary injuries have increased by nearly 350%. The rise in genitourinary battlefield injuries can be largely attributed to changing mechanisms of modern combat and the proliferation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In the current ongoing conflicts, IED use has replaced traditional artillery as the leading source of combat-related injuries. Developments in body armor and other protective mechanisms have also led to a shift in genitourinary organ system involvement, with external genitalia and pelvic wounds exceeding intra-abdominal injuries. Furthermore, soldiers are more often surviving their battlefield injuries and facing chronic debilitating injuries infrequently encountered in past wars. The impact of these battlefield wounds is largely unstudied and unknown. Many of the genitourinary injuries have devastating potential long-term consequences on quality of life. To date, no study has been published specifically examining the psychological, sexual, hormonal, and fertility effects of genitourinary injuries. Legislative efforts are underway to address deficiencies in funding, research, prevention, and treatment of genitourinary wartime trauma.