ISSN: 2578-4676
Authors: Bouras S*
Post-traumatic renal artery injury is a rare yet critical complication following trauma, potentially leading to severe renal damage and functional loss. We present three cases of post-traumatic renal artery injury resulting in renal ischemia due to late diagnosis. Of particular note is that the interval between the first patient and the third is only three months, occurring at a time when such lesions are rarely observed. These cases, all involving young male individuals, highlight the challenges of prompt identification and timely intervention in such injuries. Delayed diagnosis hampered attempts at surgical revascularization in all cases, and our hospital lacked resources for percutaneous revascularization procedures. Despite efforts to manage these injuries conservatively, the success rates of surgical revascularization have been limited, leading to recurrent thrombosis. This has prompted the medical community to reconsider the approach to managing these injuries, with emphasis on non-operative methods and less invasive alternatives, particularly in the presence of a functioning contralateral kidney. However, determining the optimal management strategy remains elusive due to insufficient evidence regarding the efficacy of various approaches. Urgent management of renal artery injuries aims to preserve kidney function and mitigate secondary complications, such as renovascular hypertension. Long-term follow-up revealed varying outcomes among these patients, emphasizing the complex nature of managing post-traumatic renal artery injuries.
Keywords: Renal Artery Injury; Trauma; Delayed Diagnosis; Revascularization; Renovascular Hypertension
