[Gunshot wounds of the bladder and urethra]

The analysis of medical aid rendered to 48 patients with bladder and 31 with urethral wounds showed that virtually all the wounds were combined. This fact aggravates the prognosis, presents difficulties for diagnosis and treatment. The authors state that x-ray examinations (cystography and urethrography) are rarely used in the diagnosis of the above injuries (in 8.3 and 16% of cases, respectively) in spite of their usefulness. It is emphasized that negligent attitude of the surgeon to epicystostomy and drainage of the pelvic fat may entail very serious complications.