Recent advances in the diagnosis and management of blunt renal trauma

Experience with 207 cases of blunt renal trauma is reviewed. We have found that renal scans and selective renal arteriography are the most informative diagnostic tests. However, in a small community setting we suggest use of an infusion urogram and a retrograde pyelogram. Our accuracy rates with these 4 diagnostic tests are listed and selected cases are illustrated. We believe that if exploration is warranted, kidney salvage rates will be improved because of an accurate assessment of the extent of renal injury.