Trauma to the genitourinary tract

In the UK, injuries to the genitourinary tract are seen in about 10% of major trauma cases. The kidney is the most commonly injured genitourinary organ. Multi-organ injuries are associated with major trauma. Therefore, a thorough history and physical examination should be performed. Often, initial assessment and resuscitation are carried out simultaneously in the ‘unstable’ patient. Detailed mode of injury should be obtained, either blunt or penetrating (stab or gunshot), and the type of weapon involved (high-velocity projectiles cause much more extensive damage).