Early fluoroscopic realignment for traumatic urethral injuries.

OBJECTIVES

There are a variety of open surgical and endoscopic approaches to the treatment of traumatic urethral injuries. The objective of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of early fluoroscopic realignment of the urethra following traumatic injury.

METHODS

Seven patients with urethral rupture injuries (two anterior and five posterior urethral injuries) were treated. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 35 months.

RESULTS

Six patients had successful early realignment of the urethra and catheter placement. Two of these required no further treatment, whereas 3 required another procedure or procedures following catheter removal. One patient is presently being treated. In 1 patient, realignment was unsuccessful and subsequent open urethroplasty was required.

CONCLUSIONS

Early fluoroscopic realignment appears to be a safe and effective method of treatment for severe traumatic urethral injuries.