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Genital trauma due to animal bites
C M Gomes1, L Ribeiro-Filho, A M Giron
1Division of Urology, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
The Journal of Urology
|December 23, 2000
Summary
Animal bites on genitalia are rare but can be severe, often affecting children. Prompt medical care, including wound cleaning and antibiotics, leads to good outcomes, even with extensive injuries.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
Background:
- Animal bites to the external genitalia are infrequent occurrences.
- Genital trauma from animal attacks presents unique clinical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To retrospectively evaluate the experience with treating genital trauma caused by animal attacks.
- To analyze the severity, surgical management, and outcomes of animal bite-related genital injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 10 patients treated for animal bite genital injuries (1983-1999).
- Analysis of injury severity, surgical interventions, antibiotic prophylaxis, and patient outcomes.
- Standardized initial wound management including débridement and irrigation.
Main Results:
- The study included 2 men and 8 boys, with dogs being the most common animal involved (8 cases).
- Injuries ranged from minimal skin loss with primary closure (including urethral repair) to extensive tissue loss (degloving, avulsion, penectomy).
- Reconstructive surgery yielded satisfactory cosmetic and functional results in 8 patients; no infectious complications occurred with antibiotic prophylaxis.
Conclusions:
- Animal bites are a rare yet potentially severe cause of genital trauma, with children being the most frequent victims.
- Prompt medical management, including wound care, antibiotics, and appropriate immunizations, is crucial.
- Despite the severity of some injuries, good functional and cosmetic outcomes are achievable with timely surgical intervention.