Genitourinary trauma: What you need to know

Genitourinary (GU) trauma occurs in ~10% of polytrauma patients and ranges from immediately life-threatening injuries to delayed complications with significant morbidity. Effective management requires multidisciplinary coordination among trauma surgery, urology, radiology, orthopedics, and critical care teams. Management of renal injury has continued to evolve, and up-to-date application of adjunctive therapy is essential to optimize outcomes. Bladder injury is often associated with pelvic fractures; diagnosis, categorization, and management of urine flow reduces infection and complications. Knowledge of ureteral and urethral injury management principles, strategy, and timing has been shown to reduce long-term complications and morbidity. Genital injuries, while less common and less severe, may be managed using systematic evaluation and intervention to improve functional outcome. Long-term follow-up is critical across all GU injuries to monitor for complications, including hypertension, fistula, stricture, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and impaired renal function. Early recognition and adherence to structured management principles are essential to optimize outcomes and preserve genitourinary function.