Citation

Goldman C, Shaw N, du Plessis D, Myers JB, van der Merwe A, Venkatesan K. Transl. Androl. Urol. 2021; 10(6): 2596-2608.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, AME Publishing)

DOI

10.21037/tau-20-1175

PMID

34295746

Abstract

Gunshot wounds (GSW) to the penis and scrotum are present in two thirds of all genitourinary (GU) trauma, with a growing proportion of blast injuries in the military setting. Depending on the energy of the projectile, the injury patterns present differently for military and civilian GSWs. In this review, we sought to provide a detailed overview of GSWs to the external genitalia, from mechanisms to management. We examine how ballistic injury impacts tissues, as well as the types of injuries that occur, and how to assess these injuries to the external genitalia. If there is concern for injury to the deep structures of the penis or scrotum, operative exploration and repair is warranted. Relevant history and physical examination, role of imaging, and choice of conservative or surgical treatment options in the civilian and military setting are discussed, as well as guidelines for management set forth by the American Urological Association (AUA) and European Association of Urology (EAU).

Language: en

Keywords

genitalia; ballistic trauma; Genital trauma; gunshot wounds (GSW); urologic trauma