Predicting surgical exploration in renal trauma: assessment and modification of an established nomogram.

Background: This study aimed to externally validate a previously described nomogram that predicts the need for renal exploration in the trauma setting.

Methods: The predicted probability of nephrectomy was manually calculated using prospectively collected data from consecutive patients with renal trauma who presented to our institution between May 2001 and January 2010. To assess nomogram performance, receiver operating characteristic curves against the observed exploration rate were generated, and areas under the curve were calculated.

A 9-year experience of renal injury at an Australian level 1 trauma centre.

Objective: To detail the 9-year experience of renal trauma at a modern Level 1 trauma centre and report on patterns of injury, management and complications.

Patients And Methods: We analysed 338 patients with renal injuries who presented to our institution over a 9-year period. Data on demographics, clinical presentation, management and complications were recorded.

Contemporary management of renal trauma.

In the management of renal trauma, surgical exploration inevitably leads to nephrectomy in all but a few specialized centers. With current management options, the majority of hemodynamically stable patients with renal injuries can be successfully managed nonoperatively. Improved radiographic techniques and the development of a validated renal injury scoring system have led to improved staging of injury severity that is relatively easy to monitor.