[Radiological Examination in renal trauma (author's transl)]

Radiological examinations occupy a very important position in the clarification of the diagnosis of traumatic changes observed in the kidneys, the emphasis being on considerations of differential therapy. The most important of all the examinations is the excretion urogram; the first, although unspecific, pointers are supplied by roentgenography without contrast medium. The only safe sign confirming that rupture has occurred, is the extravasation of contrast medium. Immediately angiography is mandatory in case there is no excretion of contrast medium; delayed angiography should be performed whenever the situation cannot be properly clarified by means of excretion urography, sonography and computerized tomography. Regular follow-up examinations are imperative following surgical and conservative therapy; this is the only way to detect complications well in time, such complications being relatively frequent.