Stab wounds are the most common penetrating trauma to the kidney. More than half of these injuries can be selectively treated nonoperatively. Management criteria are based on aggressive radiographic, laboratory, clinical and when indicated surgical staging. Meticulous attention to reconstructive techniques in renal exploration can ensure an excellent renal salvage rate.

Patients with urethral strictures who are selected for formal urethroplasty have severe obstructive and irritative voiding symptoms. Results of the AUA symptom index correlate closely with conventional measures of urethroplasty outcome, such as radiographic retrograde urethrography and urinary flow studies. The AUA symptom index appears to have clinical validity as an adjunctive outcome assessment tool after urethroplasty.

Guidelines for urethral reconstruction after failed anterior urethroplasty are predicated on stricture length, location and severity. Circular fasciocutaneous flap urethroplasty is extremely versatile and effective for refractory long or distal strictures. End-to-end urethroplasty with stricture excision is highly reliable for less extensive bulbar strictures for which previous operative repair has failed. Grafts are best used selectively in the reoperative setting.

Stab wounds are the most common penetrating trauma to the kidney. More than half of these injuries can be selectively treated nonoperatively. Management criteria are based on aggressive radiographic, laboratory, clinical and when indicated surgical staging. Meticulous attention to reconstructive techniques in renal exploration can ensure an excellent renal salvage rate.