Changing Pattern of Genitourinary Injuries in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Background: The prevention of injuries is a daunting task, and it is even more challenging in developing countries where resources need to be managed prudently. The aetiology of genitourinary injuries varies according to the geographical region. Injuries that were previously uncommon are now encountered in our practice. Changing social lives seem to have affected the pattern of the injuries that are presented by the patients in our practice.

Aims and Objectives: This study was aimed at documenting the new pattern of genitourinary injuries in patients who presented to our hospital from December 2007 to October 2017.

Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. Patients with genitourinary injuries who presented within the study period were identified. The information was retrieved from patients’ case files, the unit’s audit register, the main theatre operations’ register and the accident and emergency theatre’s register. The number of injuries, site of injury, cause of injury and management of injury were recorded. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel 2010 and analysed using SPSS version 17.0.

Results: There were 186 injuries in 165 patients. One hundred and thirty-three patients (80.61%) were male, and 32 patients (19.39%) were female: the male-to-female ratio was 4.16:1. The modal age was 30–39 years, with an age range from 8 months–82 years. The mean age was 34±13.02 years. Urethral injuries were predominant. The bladder, kidney, scrotum and testis were also involved in the injuries.

The main causes were iatrogenic injuries (30.3%), road traffic accidents (17.0%), domestic accidents (22.4%) and domestic/civilian violence. Most patients had satisfactory outcomes following surgical intervention. Three patients died during the study period.

Conclusion: Genitourinary injuries predominantly affect young persons. The results of our study indicate that injuries associated with civilian violence, domestic accidents and iatrogenic injuries are on the rise in our region. Based on the results of our study, we recommend that attention be paid to social lifestyles, standards of care and existing government policies on safety in order to prevent these injuries.