Blunt renal trauma in children: a retrospective analysis of 41 cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The majority of renal injury secondary to blunt abdominal trauma can be successfully treated conservatively. In the present study, the clinical features and outcomes of children who presented with renal injury secondary to blunt abdominal trauma were evaluated.METHODS: This study was carried out retrospectively using data from children at the Department of Pediatric Surgery who were hospitalized for renal injury due to blunt abdominal trauma between 2000 and 2012. Patient characteristics, clinical presentation, management strategy, and outcome were evaluated.RESULTS: Forty-one patients were hospitalized. The mean age of the patients was 10±4.85 years. The majority of renal injuries were grade 1 and 2. Falling was the cause of most renal injuries. All patients were initially treated conservatively. Three patients underwent acute surgical exploration for life-threatening renal bleeding (grade 4-5 injury). Nephrectomy was performed in 3 patients due to injury to the pedicle.CONCLUSION: The conservative treatment of pediatric renal parenchymal injuries is safe and effective in children. Although the vast majority of renal injuries do not require surgical intervention, life-threatening renal bleeding, regardless of the grade of injury, should be treated surgically.