Complications of renal trauma

Renal trauma is rare, and significant complications from renal trauma are generally rarer still occurring in less than 5% in modern series. Close follow-up of injured patients and scrupulous use of imaging, including computed tomography scan, arteriogram, or retrograde pyelogram when appropriate, increase detection rates and establish the diagnosis in most patients. Treatment varies by etiology and may range from watchful waiting to percutaneous drainage to, in rare cases, nephrectomy.