Recent traumatic injuries of the urethra

Traumatic injuries of the urethra are uncommon. Most lesions of the anterior (bulbar urethra) are straddle injuries and are initially dealt with by a suprapubic catheter with delayed treatment when urethral stenosis does ensue. Traumatic disruption of the posterior urethra is in most cases related to a pelvic fracture and is often associated with multiple life-threatening injuries, which receive priority treatment. Management of posterior urethral disruption remains a highly controversial issue: alternative treatments include early endoscopic realignment, early open surgical repair and suprapubic catheter and delayed open surgical repair. Management of urethral injuries is described and the different operative techniques are detailed.