Renal trauma in a South African hospital: a two year study

A study was made of renal trauma in a South African hospital during the period 1977-1979. The diagnosis and treatment of the 119 patients admitted to the Surgical Unit with moderate to severe renal injury are described. The 21 patients with penetrating wounds were treated by surgical intervention. The remainder were successfully managed conservatively. In all cases every effort was made to salvage viable renal tissue.