Separation of renal fragments by a urinoma after renal trauma: percutaneous drainage accelerates healing

Background. Two boys suffered blunt abdominal trauma resulting in renal injury. In both cases the damaged kidney was fractured through its mid-portion, and the upper and lower fragments of the kidney became widely separated by a urinoma. Materials and methods. US-guided drainage of the urinoma resulted in immediate apposition of the renal fragments. The drains were left on free drainage by gravity for 1 week before removal. Results. The urinomas did not reaccumulate and follow-up DMSA scans showed good residual function. Conclusion. We suggest that drainage of urinomas that separate renal fragments should be considered since this may accelerate healing and help preserve renal function.