Vincent Nagy, Miroslav Iláš, Jaroslav Beck
Objective: Analysis of patients with retroperitoneal bleeding from the ruptured kidneys. Material and Methods: 32 consecutive
patients (19 M and 13 F aged 5-83 yrs., mean 43.9 yrs.) with symptoms of retroperitoneal bleeding from a ruptured
kidney were treated through years 2002-2016. The diagnosis was based on history, clinical, and laboratory examinations,
USG and CT. Follow up period was between 1-143 months (av. 29.5 months).
Results: Haematoma volumes ranged from approx. 200-2500 ml (av. 1300 ml). Rate of haemoglobin values ranged from
4.1-15.4 g/dL (av. 9.5 g/dL). Blood transfusions (TU) were required in 21 (65.6%) patients totalling 85 TU (1-8, av. 4 TU).
Spontaneous kidney rupture was recorded in 16 (50%) patients. Eight (25%) patients suffered blunt flank trauma while
another eight (25%) suffered iatrogenic renal injury. Eleven (34.4%) patients were treated before kidney rupture with
anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy. Treatment of patients depended on clinical findings, renal pathology, the extent
of kidney damage, and volume of haematoma. 17 (53.1%) patients without malignancy or severe renal impairment and
progressive bleeding were treated conservatively. The remaining 15 (46.9%) patients underwent surgery or an additional
procedure (nephrectomy in 13(40.6%), kidney suture in one (3.1%), and in another one (3.1%) coiling of the segmental
renal artery). During the follow-up period, three patients died of other causes (9.4%).
Conclusion: Surgical/conservative treatment depended on renal pathology, kidney damage, and the extent of the
bleeding. It appears that patients treated with anticoagulants have a higher risk of spontaneous or traumatic rupture
of the kidney with retroperitoneal bleeding.