Gunshot wounds to the male genitalia

Fifty consecutive cases of gunshot wounds to the male external genitalia were treated by the Tulane University Urology Service at the Medical Center of Louisiana in New Orleans. Fifty percent of the patients had significant associated injuries. Eight anterior urethral injuries were identified, all by retrograde urethrography. Five of 17 testicular injuries were salvaged with conservative operative technique. Review of this series suggests that good functional integrity of the male genitalia after gunshot injury can be maintained by following a strict diagnostic and therapeutic regimen.