Kidney injury

Kidney injuries are mainly caused by blunt force such as in car accidents or falls. In rarer cases, penetrating injuries can occur from gunshot or stab wounds. Medical procedures such as kidney biopsies or treatments for kidney stones can also lead to minor injuries.

• Blood in urine (hematuria)
• Pain or bruising in the upper abdominal area or flanks
• Tenderness in the kidney area
• Swelling or hematomas in the kidney area
• In severe cases: drop in blood pressure, shock, and anemia

The diagnosis is made through a combination of physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging techniques. A detailed medical history, including the description of the accident, helps assess the severity of the injury. Laboratory tests include:

- **Urine test:** Examination for blood in the urine.

- **Blood count and creatinine levels:** Checking kidney function and blood loss.

Imaging techniques are crucial for diagnosis:

- **Ultrasound:** For initial assessment and detection of hematomas and fluid accumulations.

- **Computed Tomography (CT):** Gold standard for accurate assessment of kidney injuries, especially in severe or complex cases. A CT with contrast helps visualize the extent of the injury and blood flow.

- **Angiography:** For assessing vascular injuries in the kidney.

• Conservative: For minor injuries, bed rest, monitoring of fluid intake, and pain management are recommended. Most minor injuries heal within one to two weeks.
• Medication: In the case of impending infections, antibiotics can be administered prophylactically.
• Surgical: Severe injuries may require surgical intervention to stop bleeding or repair torn kidney tissue. In extreme cases, a nephrectomy (removal of the kidney) may be necessary.
• Embolization: For certain injuries, arterial embolization can be performed, where bleeding is stopped by blocking the bleeding vessels.

To prevent kidney injuries, protective clothing should be worn during high-risk activities, especially in sports. In the event of accidents or injuries, it is important to seek medical help immediately to assess the extent of the injury and take appropriate measures.