External genitalia gunshot wounds: a ten-year experience with fifty-six cases

To determine the appropriate methods for the diagnosis and management of gunshot injuries to the external genitalia.

Retrospective analysis.

Fifty-six patients with gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the external genitalia were seen over the last 10 years. All patients underwent physical examination, radiographic staging, and surgical exploration, according to protocol.

There were 25 testicular, 19 scrotal soft tissue, 14 penile, 4 epididymal, 4 urethral, 4 vasal, and 3 superficial scrotal skin injuries. When possible, all injuries, except for the vasal and 1 urethral injury, were primarily repaired with excellent long-term results. Orchiectomy was required in half of testes struck by gunshots. Associated injuries with single GSWs were mostly to the proximity soft tissue and were amenable to conservative management. Major associated injuries were present in patients with multiple GSWs. In the absence of a suspected major associated injury, genital GSWs required only two diagnostic studies, a retrograde urethrogram for suspected urethral injury and a routine abdominal radiograph. Gunshot injuries to the penis or perineum, blood at the penile meatus, or gross hematuria were highly suggestive of urethral injury.

Successful management of genital GSWs is dependent upon prompt surgical exploration, conservative debridement, and primary repair.