THE ROLE OF HEMATURIA IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF BLUNT RENAL TRAUMA

In order to reevaluate the indications for an acute excretory urograph y (IPV) after blunt renal trauma, with special emphasis on the degree of haematuria, the medical records of 114 patients admitted to The Dep artment of Urology, Odense University Hospital during a 10 year period were reviewed. Fourteen cases of major renal damage were revealed. Th irteen of these patients had macroscopic haematuria. Three of the thir teen patients were in shock and required an acute operation in order t o stabilize their blood pressure. In one case, a thirteen year old gir l had a major renal lesion which was diagnosed by acute IVP before exa mination of the urine. The present data support other reports in the l iterature stating that radiographic imaging is not necessary in the ad ult sustaining blunt renal trauma with microscopic haematuria and no s hock. However, we find good reason for radiographic evaluation of all children after a blunt renal trauma, independent of the degree of haem aturia.