Intravenous pyelogram results in association with renal pathology and therapy in trauma patients

The charts of 127 consecutive patients who sustained renal trauma between December 1977 and January 1984 were reviewed in order to relate the results of intravenous pyelogram (IVP) to the magnitude of renal pathology. Eighty-eight cases resulted from blunt trauma and 39 cases had penetrating injuries. There were 34 gunshot wounds and five stab wounds. An IVP was performed in 116 patients. All cases of blunt trauma with an IVP reported as normal had no renal pathology greater than contusion. Intravenous pyelogram results in penetrating injuries had a 75% false negative rate. Findings of nonvisualization or extravasation were significant for fractures, perforation, or pedicle injuries in all trauma. Eight of the patients with nonpenetrating wounds and 37 of the patients with penetrating injury underwent exploratory laparotomy. Sixteen nephrectomies were performed for a nephrectomy rate of 12.6% of the total series. This nephrectomy rate is comparable to similar studies which are reviewed.