Systematic Reviews
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Crit Care Med. Nov 9, 2021; 10(6): 377-389
Published online Nov 9, 2021. doi: 10.5492/wjccm.v10.i6.377
Management of genitourinary trauma – current evaluation from the Sub-Saharan region: A systematic review
Ayun K Cassell III, Burgess Manobah
Ayun K Cassell III, Burgess Manobah, Department of Surgery, John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Monrovia 100010, Liberia
Author contributions: All authors have made considerable contributions to the conception and design, acquisition of data, and analysis and interpretation of data, engaged in organizing the article or revising it analytically for relevant intellectual content, gave final consent of the version to be published and agreed to be responsible for all aspects of the work.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest regarding this article.
PRISMA 2009 Checklist statement: The authors have read the PRISMA 2009 Checklist, and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the PRISMA 2009 Checklist.
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Corresponding author: Ayun K Cassell III, FICS, MSc, Lecturer, Surgeon, Department of Surgery, John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Sinkor, Monrovia 100010, Liberia. ayuncasselliii@gmail.com
Received: February 1, 2021
Peer-review started: February 1, 2021
First decision: March 17, 2021
Revised: March 19, 2021
Accepted: August 20, 2021
Article in press: August 20, 2021
Published online: November 9, 2021
Processing time: 276 Days and 14.8 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND

Trauma is a major cause of morbidity globally and the sixth leading cause of death, accounting for 10% of all mortalities. The genitourinary trauma is estimated for approximately 10% of all patients presenting with trauma, and the kidney is the most injured genitourinary organ globally. However, there is a paucity of data on genitourinary injury from the Sub-Saharan, and there may be variations from common genitourinary organs injured in developed nations.

AIM

To provide insight on the epidemiology and management of genitourinary trauma in Sub-Saharan Africa with recommendations based on international guidelines.

METHODS

A thorough literature search of genitourinary trauma was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar and African Journal Online.

RESULTS

A total of 30 studies from the Sub-Saharan region were eligible for the study and reviewed for epidemiology, biodata, types of injury, mechanisms of injury, treatment and follow-up. After evaluating 21904 patients presenting with urological emergencies, approximately 6.6% of cases were due to genitourinary trauma. The commonest injury was urethral 42.9% (22.2-62.2%) followed by injury to the external genitalia (penis, scrotum, testes) 25.1% (8.8-67.7%).

CONCLUSION

Genitourinary injury in Sub-Saharan Africa is underreported, and the presence of more trauma registries, trained urologists and trauma facilities could improve the overall standard of care as well as providing data for research and development in the field.

Keywords: Genitourinary trauma; Urethral injury; Sub-Saharan; Ureteric; Kidney

Core Tip: The genitourinary trauma accounts for about 10% of all patients presenting with trauma, and the kidney is the most injured genitourinary organ globally. In Sub-Saharan Africa, after evaluating 21904 patients presenting with urological emergencies, approximately 6.6% of cases were due to genitourinary trauma. The commonest injury was urethral injury followed by injury to the external genitalia (penis, scrotum, testes).