Selective Operative Management of Major Blunt Renal Trauma

BACKGROUND: We reviewed the management and outcomes of patients at our Level I trauma center suffering major blunt renal trauma diagnosed and staged by CT scan. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 26 patients with blunt trauma at our institution who were initially hemodynamically stable and diagnosed with grade 4 or 5 renal injuries by CT scan. Patients were broken down into two groups based on whether they were managed conservatively or surgically. Patient characteristics and morbidity were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 14 patients managed conservatively and 12 patients managed surgically. There was no statistically significant difference in morbidity between the two groups. The only statistically significant predictor of failure of conservative management was a coexisting solid organ intra-abdominal injury. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management of major blunt renal trauma is appropriate in hemodynamically stable patients.