title: [Urethral trauma].
abstract: Urethral lesions may be caused by blunt or penetrating objects in the course of accidents, or can be iatrogenic resulting from invasive measures such as catheterization or other major surgical measures (prostatectomy or sling operations for continence). They can also be caused by foreign bodies deliberately introduced into the urethra. Injuries may primarily affect the anterior or posterior urethra. Urethral reconstruction presupposes knowledge of the precise anatomy of the pelvic region. The surgical techniques used and the timing of reconstructive procedures will depend on the cause and nature of the urethral injury. A definitive surgical intervention in most cases of lesions resulting from accidents is not generally recommended, especially when the lesion is in the posterior urethra. A treatment algorithm should prevent post-surgical complications such as incontinence, impotence, recurring urinary tract infections, etc., necessitating multiple operations, and assure an adequate quality of life. Diagnostic clarification of the exact nature of urethral injuries requires high quality imaging studies by specialists in the field.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Urologie, Medizinische Universitätsklinik Innsbruck, Osterreich.
authors.forename: G-M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Pinggera
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rehder
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bartsch
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gozzi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D010388:Pelvis / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014521:Urethra / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D014525:Urethral Stricture / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014950:Wounds, Penetrating / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*