Conservative treatment of stage III kidney injuries

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of conservative management in stage III renal trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 150 patients who presented in our institution with renal trauma between 1986 and 1995. RESULTS: Minor injuries (stage I and II: 100 cases) were treated with expectant management. Only 3 patients required nephrectomy in this group. Stage III injuries were seen in 40 patients. The great majority (85%) were treated conservatively with renal sparing procedures such as endourologic techniques (14 cases), nephrorraphy or partial nephrectomy (20 cases). Total nephrectomy was performed in 15% of the cases and only for severely injured kidney or major associated intraabdominal injuries. In this group, none of the patients suffered from hypertension at follow-up. All patients (10 cases) with pedicle injury (stage IV) required total nephrectomy. CONCLUSION: Stage III renal trauma with urinary extravasation can safely be treated conservatively.