Journal de traumatisme et de traitement

Female Urethral Injuries Associated with Pelvic Fractures

Abstract

Nerli RB, Sujata M Jali and Murigendra B. Hiremath

Introduction: Urethral injuries associated with pelvic fractures are regarded as rare in women and thus discussed infrequently. We reviewed our series of girls/women who presented with urethral injuries.

Materials and Methods: Eleven patients (age range 8-49 years) presenting with urethral injuries and admitted to urological services were reviewed. All had associated injuries, generally more severe than seen in males with urethral injuries.

Results: All the eleven patients had severe injuries. Three of them underwent immediate repair of the urethra, whereas the remaining eight underwent repair 7-15 days later. In the follow-up period three developed stricture, one needing a Mitrofanoff’s procedure to self catheterize and the remaining two needing regular dilatation. One patient developed urinary incontinence.

Conclusions: Pelvic fractures are associated with urethral injuries, though less common among the females. A more severe injury is needed to damage the female urethra than is necessary in males.