Injury secondary to trauma has become increasingly common in modern society
. In the United States, in excess of 55 million trauma patients are evaluat
ed each year, and trauma is the leading cause of mortality in people under
the age of 40 years [14]. Of the patients with abdominal trauma, approximat
ely 10% have an injury to the urinary tract. Renal injury, occurring in 1-5
% of all traumas, is due primarily to blunt trauma [29].
Advances in the imaging and staging of renal trauma as well as in treatment
strategies have decreased the need for surgical intervention and increased
renal preservation [26, 30]. Nevertheless, no consensus exists regarding i
ndications and techniques for renal exploration. The goals of treatment inc
lude accurate staging, maximal preservation of renal function, and minimal
complications. We discuss our current approach in the management of renal t
rauma.