Surgical management of major renal trauma: a review of 102 cases treated by conservative surgery.

A review is presented of 102 patients with significant renal trauma seen in the last 5 years. All patients underwent exploratory laparotomy for abdominal trauma and had associated urologic injuries, which were managed by conservative surgery. Forty-eight patients had non-expanding retroperitoneal hematoma and were treated expectantly. Nine patients needed exploration and drainage only, while 18 had some form of renorrhaphy. Four patients underwent repairs of renal pelvic injuries, 12 underwent partial nephrectomy and 11 underwent repairs of renal pedicle injuries. A conservative approach to renal trauma is emphasized.