When can penetrating injuries to the kidney be considered for non-operative management?
A. Knife entry point anterior to anterior axillary line in a stable patientAnswer C
Operative exploration has traditionally been recommended for penetrating injuries. However, if a knife entry point is posterior to the anterior axillary line, then the likelihood of renal hilar injury or associated visceral injury is low. High-resolution CT is leading to an increase in the non-operative management of this patient group. Low-velocity gunshot wounds can also be managed non-operatively.