[Operative interventions of urologic traumata in severe injured patients in the acute phase]

The frequency of urological traumata and the need for interventions in severely injured patients in Germany are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of urological traumata in about 90,000 severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score, ISS ≥ 16).

Data of 90,000 patients from the TraumaRegister DGU® were retrospectively analyzed. All patients with an ISS of ≥ 16 were included. The kind of urological traumata and the need for urological intervention within 24 hours were assessed, as well as the kind of accident, additional traumata and the clinical course.

48,797 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Urological trauma was existent in 7.1 %, especially in men (78 %). Kidneys were affected most frequently (4.8 %) compared to ureters (0.2 %), urinary bladder (1.2 %), urethra (0.5 %) and genitals (0.4 %). Traffic accidents and falls from higher levels represented the main cause for urological traumata (> 90 %). It was associated with additional pelvis, thorax and abdomen traumata (each 7.1 %) and showed a distinct increase dependent on the abbreviated injury scale (AIS). Ureter (10.6%) and urethra (6.3%) trauma was deferred diagnosed most, this was associated with a higher rate of urological operations. The general duration of hospital stay and that in the intensive care unit were prolonged by urological traumata.

The data showed the prevalence of urological trauma in severely injured patients analyzed in a huge patient cohort of the TraumaRegister DGU®. For the first time the number, degree and medical care in the reality of urological traumata in severely injured patients were available.