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Injury - kidney and ureter
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| Injury - kidney and ureter |
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Definition:
An upper urinary tract injury is one sustained by the kidneys and ureters. Alternative Names:
Kidney damage; Toxic injury of the kidney; Kidney injury; Traumatic injury of the kidney; Fractured kidney; Inflammatory injury of the kidney; Bruised kidney; Ureteral injury
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Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The kidneys are located in the flank (back of the upper abdomen at either side of the spinal column). They are deep within the abdomen and are protected by the spine, lower rib cage, and the strong muscles of the back. This location protects the kidneys from many external forces. They are well-padded for a reason -- kidneys are highly vascular organs, which means that they have a large blood supply. If injury occurs, severe bleeding may result.
Kidneys may be injured by damage to the blood vessels that supply or drain them. This may be in the form of aneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, arterial blockage, or renal vein thrombosis. The extent of bleeding depends on the location and the degree of injury. Kidneys may also bleed profusely if they are damaged centrally (on the inside) -- this is a life-threatening injury. Fortunately, most kidney injuries caused by blunt trauma occur periperally, only causing bruising of the kidney (usually a self-limiting process). People with undiagnosed kidney conditions -- such as anigomyolipoma (benign tumor), ureteropelvic junction obstruction (congential or acquired UPJ Obstruction), and other disorders -- are more susceptible to kidney injuries and more likely to have serious complications if they occur. Other causes of kidney injury and bleeding are medical procedures. Kidney biopsies, nephrostomy tube placements, or other surgeries can cause an abnormal connection between an artery and vein (arteriovenous fistula). This is usually a self-limiting problem, but close observation is usually needed.
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