Conservative management of grade 1V renal injury with complete transection: a case report

The expectant management of high grade renal injuries in hemodynamically stable children has gained increasing acceptance amongst paediatric surgeons. However, patients with grade 1V injury with complete renal transection have been identified as a subgroup with a poor outcome that may benefit from early operative intervention. Interestingly, both internal and external drainage have been independently utilised as part of the expectant approach. The former is more widely practiced and was first suggested by Haas et al who used it successfully in 5 patients with grade 1V renal trauma. Yet to be clearly established in this context is the value and timing of external drainage, particularly, when used in combination with internal stenting. Described is a child with complete renal transaction who was successfully managed with a combination of internal and external drainage.