Genitourinary injuries are disruptions in the integrity of the organ's structure caused by the impact of an external adverse factor. There can be multiple injuries, each with its own cause and mechanism of occurrence.
Causes
There is a slight difference in the mechanism of genitourinary injuries for organs responsible for the production, storage, and excretion of urine and those performing sexual function.
For the organs of the urinary system, the following are characteristic:
- Injury due to hydrodynamic shock. This occurs when the wall of the organ ruptures due to a sudden displacement of fluid.
- Injuries during urological procedures. An example may be catheterization of the bladder, which led to damage to the urethra.
Injuries to the genital organs are most often recorded in men. These may include:
- Testicular contusion.
- Scrotal laceration.
- Penis injury.
The most common causes are blunt force trauma, infections, burns, and lacerations. In bites, the wound may be penetrating and lead to damage to one or several structures of the urinary system.
Diagnosis
Symptoms of urinary system organ injury:
- Hematuria.
- Urethorrhagia.
- Urination disorders.
- Urine discharge from the wound.
Symptoms of genital system organ injury:
- Injuries to the scrotum and testicles may manifest as pain in the groin and swelling.
- Penis fractures manifest as deformity, severe swelling, and hemorrhages.
- Necrotizing infection of the scrotum, like any inflammatory process, is characterized by an increase in temperature in the inflamed area (in this case, the entire scrotum), pain, and swelling.
- In the case of a rupture of the vaginal membrane in the groin and perineum, extensive bruising will be visible.
At the leading clinic in Israel, Ichilov, the patient will undergo a series of progressive diagnostic procedures:
- Cystoscopy of the bladder and urethra.
- DMSA scanning for comprehensive kidney assessment.
- Retrograde urethrography.
- Urodynamic tests.
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs.
- Computed tomography.
- Magnetic resonance imaging.
In addition to taking the medical history, detailed consultations with leading specialists in urology are conducted at Ichilov Clinic.
Treatment
Thanks to the mastery of various treatment methods, especially the latest surgical techniques, urologists advocate for minimally invasive interventions. This principled position is evident in all surgical operations performed at Ichilov Clinic.
For different types of genitourinary injuries, appropriate surgical interventions are performed:
- Ureter injuries. An end-to-end anastomosis is applied on a stent. In the case of significant injury, the surgeon establishes a nephrostomy and places a stent in the lumen of the ureter. Plastic surgeries are performed after 2-3 months.
- Bladder injuries. In cases of minor injuries, 10-day catheterization of the bladder is possible. Penetrating injuries to the bladder are very dangerous.
- Necrotizing infection of the scrotum. The patient is prescribed antibiotic therapy and surgical intervention aimed at removing necrotic tissues. Often, the surgeon places a colostomy and cystostomy to prevent further infection. Plastic surgery is only possible after the complete removal of the infectious agent.