Anterior urethral injury: etiology, diagnosis, and initial management.

Urethral injuries below the urogenital diaphragm may result from external trauma or instrumentation. The most severe complication is the development of a urethral stricture. Proper care of the acute injury will diminish this possibility. In the hands of an experienced perineal surgeon repair of the externally traumatized urethra should consist of urethral debridement, mobilization, spatulation, and primary anastomosis. If an experienced surgeon is not immediately available, a suprapubic tube should be placed after draining the perineum. When major injuries occur requiring life-saving procedures and immediate care of other problems, the urine should be diverted with a suprapubic tube and urethral repair carried out later.