b. "Straddle Injuries." These injuries to the urethra are common in men. The
urethra is caught between a hard surface and the pubic arch. This may result in rupture
of the urethra.
c. Trauma. In accidents in which the bones of the pelvis are fractured, rupture
of the urethra is fairly common. The male urethra, especially, is easily injured in
accidents. In these cases, surgical repair of the urethra may be necessary.
Section VII. INJURIES TO ORGANS OF THE GENITOURINARY SYSTEM
3-23. GENERAL INFORMATION
Injuries to the organs of the genitourinary system can be caused by penetrating
or perforating wounds, blunt crushing accidents, and surgery. To preserve renal
function, it is very important that these injuries are diagnosed and treated promptly.
3-24. KIDNEY INJURIES
Kidney injuries can be caused by bleeding from the renal vein or arteries. The
initial cause of the bleeding may have been a blunt injury to the flank.
a. Specific Causes/Signs/Symptoms of Kidney Injuries. Included are the
following:
(1) Wounds to the lower back in the flanks (flank = side of the body between
the ribs and the pelvis).
(2)
A history of blows to the flank, hard enough to cause pain.
(3) Hematuria (discharge of red blood cells in the urine) or ecchymosis
(bruises) of the flank.
b. Treatment for Kidney Injuries. Follow this procedure:
(1)
Start an IV.
(2)
Treat the patient for shock.
(3) Obtain baseline kidney laboratory data such as a complete blood count
(CBC differential), urinalysis, urinalysis blood urea nitrogen (BUN) lytes, and urine lytes.
MD0579
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