Blunt renal injuries of intermediate degree

Our experience with 104 cases of blunt renal trauma included 20 injuries of intermediate degree. Of this group, urinary extravasation (60 per cent) and parenchymal laceration (100 per cent) were predominant features exhibited by conventional radiographic studies. Both findings do not require surgical intervention and spontaneous resolution can be anticipated. Nephrectomy (9 cases) and heminephrectomy (2 cases) were perhaps performed unnecessarily in this group since 9 similar patients managed either consevatively (7 cases) or subjected to minor operative procedures on the kidney (2 cases) responded with total functional and anatomic recovery. Arteriography is at times recommended since it can provide information that will give confidence in the conservative management of some cases.