Pelvic fracture urethral injuries associated with rectal injury: a review of acute and definitive urologic and bowel management with long term outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Pelvic fracture urethral injuries (PFUI) with simultaneous rectal lacerations are unique rarely reported injuries. This paper serves to define our management, outcomes and make recommendations to improve the care of these patients.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all patients with a PFUI and concurrent rectal injury treated from 1990-2018, initial surgical treatments, along with definitive surgical repair were reviewed. Statistical analysis considered P values <0.05 as significant.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were identified; median follow-up post injury is 4 years, range 1-12 years. Injuries that impacted urologic care included concurrent bladder neck lacerations (BNL) in 50% (9/18) and concurrent neurologic injuries in 28% (5/18). In the nine patients with a simultaneous BNL, 44% (4/9) underwent a primary sutured anastomotic repair of the BNL and urethra, 33% (3/9) underwent primary closure of the bladder neck and SPT drainage and 23% (2/9) had primary repair of BNL with urethral realignment. Continued urinary extravasation through the BN despite the initial surgery resulted in life threating pelvic sepsis in 56% (5/9) versus 0% (0/9) in the patients without a bladder neck laceration, P=0.012. Long term follow up revealed, 22% (2/9) are currently voiding per urethra, neither are continent, one with chronic diaper dependent incontinence, one with stress incontinence. Urinary continence was eventually obtained in 44% (4/9) with either closure of the bladder neck and creation of a continent catheterizable stoma (3 pts) or with cystectomy and creation of an Indiana pouch (1 pt), 33% (3/9) were managed with eventual cystectomy and an enteric urinary conduit. In the nine patients with no concurrent bladder neck injury all were managed with a suprapubic tube placement and consideration for a delayed urethral reconstruction. Delayed end to end urethroplasties were performed in 67% (6/9). Eighty-three percent (5/6) are continent, 50% (3/6) are voiding per urethra without sequale, 33% (2/6) developed recurrent urethral strictures, one was treated with a single DVIU and has retrained urethral patency, at four years post treatment, one is on daily intermittent catheterization to maintain patency. Stress incontinence is noted in 17% (1/6). Due to concurrent neurologic injuries 33% (3/9) of these pts did not undergo further attempt at repair and have been managed with a long-term suprapubic tube.

CONCLUSIONS

PFUI with simultaneous rectal lacerations have significant comorbid injuries, especially, concurrent bladder neck lacerations and neurologic injuries that affect the urologic prognosis. In patients with a concurrent BNL we recommend initial intervention include primary lower urinary tract reconstruction with simultaneous proximal urinary diversion to help prevent the complication of persistent urinary extravasation with resultant pelvic sepsis.