Kidney Injuries Blunt force is the usual cause of injury to the kidneys, occurring from motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Penetrating kidney injuries can result from gunshot or stab wounds. Damage varies widely. Minor injuries can result in small amounts of blood in the urine detectable only by microscopic examination, whereas major injuries are more likely to result in visible blood in the urine. Occasionally, more extensive imaging studies may be necessary.
Treatment begins with steps to control blood loss and prevent shock.
Fluids are given intravenously to normalize blood pressure and stimulate urine production. When necessary, the appropriate x-ray study can be used to characterize the injury. For minor kidney injuries, such as those caused by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, careful control of fluid intake and bed rest are often the only treatment needed. Major injuries that cause uncontrollable bleeding or leakage of large amounts of urine into the surrounding tissues often require surgical repair. If the blood supply to the kidney is insufficient, normal kidney tissue, which must be supplied with blood to survive, may die and be replaced by scar tissue.