title: Urotrauma: AUA guideline.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The authors of this guideline reviewed the urologic trauma literature to guide clinicians in the appropriate methods of evaluation and management of genitourinary injuries.
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review of the literature using the MEDLINE® and EMBASE databases (search dates 1/1/90-9/19/12) was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications relevant to urotrauma. The review yielded an evidence base of 372 studies after application of inclusion/exclusion criteria. These publications were used to inform the statements presented in the guideline as Standards, Recommendations or Options. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence for a particular treatment was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate) or C (low). In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Guideline statements were created to inform clinicians on the initial observation, evaluation and subsequent management of renal, ureteral, bladder, urethral and genital traumatic injuries.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Genitourinary organ salvage has become increasingly possible as a result of advances in imaging, minimally invasive techniques, and reconstructive surgery. As the field of genitourinary reconstruction continues to evolve, clinicians must strive to approach clinical problems in a creative, multidisciplinary, evidence-based manner to ensure optimal outcomes.
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Allen F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Morey
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Steve
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brandes
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Daniel David
authors.initials: DD
authors.lastname: Dugi
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: John H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Benjamin N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Breyer
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Joshua A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Broghammer
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Bradley A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Erickson
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Holzbeierlein
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Steven J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Hudak
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Jeffrey H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Pruitt
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: James T
authors.initials: JT
authors.lastname: Reston
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Richard A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Santucci
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Thomas G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: American Urological Assocation Education and Research, Inc., Linthicum, Maryland.
authors.forename: Hunter
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wessells
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D014566:Urogenital System / Q000293:injuries*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000628:therapy
keywords: injury; urotrauma