Renal trauma: kidney preservation through improved vascular control-a refined approach

Indications for renal exploration, nephrectomy, or renal repair for patients with renal trauma continue to be a subject of controversy. The present survey evaluates the results of two series of patients from a single hospital having had renal exploration for injury: Series I (1964-1973) 185 patients previously reported; and Series II (1977-1981), 190 patients. The indications for renal exploration were generally the same in each series. In Series II we used a uniform technique for control of the renal artery and vein before entering Gerota's fascia and exploring the kidney. When renal explorations were required, nephrectomy rates were reduced by this technique to 18% (seven of 39) in Series II, compared to 56% (19 of 34) in Series I. Comparison of the two series indicates that renal salvage can be improved by a consistent approach to evaluation, specific indications for retroperitoneal exploration, and vascular control before opening the retroperitoneum. Results of repair show that renography or partial nephrectomy was performed successfully in 82% of operated cases. All nephrectomies in series II were done because of massive renal destruction or as life-saving procedures for hemorrhage. No patient in Series II having had renal repair needed reoperation or had delayed hemorrhage, urine extravasation, retroperitoneal abscess, or hypertension. Although both time periods had comparable numbers of renal injury and comparable numbers of renal explorations, attention to the above criteria made possible significant improvement in kidney salvage.