Outcome of angioembolization for blunt renal trauma in haemodynamically unstable patients: 10-year analysis of Queensland public hospitals

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate whether angioembolization is an appropriate alternative method for the management of blunt renal trauma in haemodynamically unstable patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted from 2002 to 2012 at three tertiary trauma hospitals in the state of Queensland. Patients who had blunt renal trauma and underwent renal angioembolization or had a trauma nephrectomy were identified using patient records and operating theatre and interventional radiology databases. The inclusion criteria were - haemodynamically unstable patients with blunt renal trauma treated with angioembolization, above the age of 16 years. Patients who underwent angioembolization for other causes such as: penetrating renal trauma, post-procedure, renal tumours, renal angiomyolipomas or arteriovenous malformations were excluded. Patients below the age of 16 were also excluded. Post-embolization renal function, blood pressure, morbidity and mortality were analysed using the paired t² test.

RESULTS

A total of 668 renal trauma patients were identified during this period. Sixteen patients underwent angioembolization for blunt renal trauma. Post-procedure renal function normalized without any hypertension with the median follow up being 4 months. Four patients had post-embolization complications including a urinoma, two devascularized kidneys and one ureteric stricture requiring nephrectomy. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSION

Selective angioembolization, where feasible, is an alternative method in the management of haemodynamically stable patients with blunt renal trauma maximizing nephron sparing and producing acceptable long-term outcomes with avoidance of the morbidity of trauma nephrectomy. This is the first study that we know of in Australia analysing the outcome of angioembolization for blunt renal trauma.

Jejunal GIST with extramural hemangiomatous component presenting as an obscure lower GI bleed: a case report

GISTS (Gastrointestinal stromal tumours) are malignant form of sarcoma of the digestive tract. Various unusual presentations and morphological variants of GIST have been described, including extramural components of GIST. The literature has no reference regarding an extramural hemangiomatous component of a GIST. Here we present a case of 54-year-old women with this unusual morphological condition presenting as an obscure lower GI bleed. Diagnosis in this case was made by subjecting the resected specimen to immunohistochemical analysis.

Paediatric urinary tract infections: Diagnosis and treatment

BACKGROUND

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) commonly occur in children. An estimated 8% of girls and 2% of boys will have at least one episode by seven years of age. Of these children, 12-30% will experience recurrence within one year. Australian hospital admission records indicate that paediatric UTIs represent 12% of all UTI hospital admissions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to review the pathogenesis, clinical assessment and management of UTIs, and prevention strategies in children.

DISCUSSION

Clinically, paediatric UTI presentations are challenging because symptoms are vague and variable. Young infants may present with sepsis or fever and lack specific symptoms, whereas older children present with classical features such as dysuria, frequency and loin pain. Early diagnosis with appropriate urine specimen collection techniques, investigations and treatment is necessary for prevention of renal damage and recurrence. Effective, evidence-based investigations and treatment options are available, and physicians should feel confident in identifying and managing paediatric UTIs.

A rare cause of an abdominal mass

A 57-year-old male presented with right upper abdominal lump since 3 months. He was diagnosed to have a hepatic artery aneurysm. He was investigated thoroughly but no cause was found. He was subjected to endovascular embolisation of the aneurysm using endovascular coils. Subsequently the aneurysm was completely occluded. Hepatic artery aneurysms are very rare among all visceral aneurysms. We report this rare case of hepatic artery aneurysm presenting as an abdominal lump. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and management of this rare entity as a rupture may be catastrophic.

UrethroNAV: the aetiology and extent of idiopathic urethral stricture in an Australian population

Background

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is considered a causative factor in 10% of cases of idiopathic urethral stricture disease (IUSD), which is important for determining management strategies due to the underlying pathophysiology. Traditional excision urethroplasty may not be effective as inflammation often extends beyond the macroscopic stricture. This pilot study aims to answer two research questions: is LS an underlying cause of some idiopathic cause of strictures, and, if there is histological evidence suggesting predisposition of the surrounding tissue to strictures.

Methods

Biopsies were taken from the stricture site as well as 1 and 2 cm proximal and distal in patients with IUSD. Histological features, including macroscopic and microscopic findings, were reported, including the presence of LS, hyperkeratosis, epidermal changes, lichenoid infiltrates, ulceration, scarring, and inflammation. Methylene blue was used to aid in locating damaged urothelium. Patients were prospectively followed up after urethroplasty.

Results

From 109 urethroplasties performed between 2019 to 2022, 15 male patients were enrolled after meeting specific inclusion criteria. These criteria included a diagnosis of IUSD and the absence of any evidence of trauma, macroscopic inflammatory disease, or previous endoscopic instrumentation of the urethra. Patients had to be at least 16 years old and medically suitable for undergoing urethroplasty. The study was approved by the hospitals ethics committees. None had macroscopic evidence of LS. One patient had microscopic evidence of LS at the 2 cm proximal biopsy only. A total of 93% of patients had scarring proximal and distal to the stricture, while 20-40% had inflammatory change. The patient with microscopic LS and two inflammatory change patients had stricture recurrence after urethroplasty. Additionally, one patient with inflammatory changes was diagnosed with penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN) and underwent partial penectomy.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that an underlying cause of IUSD could be LS. Additionally, the pathophysiology may involve scarring and inflammation beyond the limits of the stricture with extension distal from the stricture site. Careful evaluation for concomitant urethral pathology should be considered in cases of inflammatory changes. These findings should be considered in the surgical management of IUSD and warrant further research into the role of routine biopsy and drug targets in USD.