What does a lacerated kidney feel like?

Have you ever heard of people who have been diagnosed with lacerations in their kidneys? A kidney injury could occur as a result of an accident, sports trauma or even as a lifestyle choice. Whatever the cause may be, a lacerated kidney is no laughing matter.

In this article, we take a closer look at what makes up these lacerations and delve deeper into what it feels like to have one. Buckle up as we explore everything there is to know about lacerated kidneys.

The Anatomy of Kidneys

Before understanding how haematuria develops, let’s first understand the anatomy of the kidney.

Kidneys are two small bean-shaped organs located below your ribcage on either side of your spine that comprise delicate structures called nephrons. Nephrons are responsible for filtering out excess water and waste products from blood via capillary networks called glomeruli.

The fresh clean urine produced by each nephron flows into collecting ducts where they converge at the calyces which drain into both ureters – tubes that carry urine down to he bladder.

Each healthy kidney is surrounded by several layers – perinephric fat (which cushions the organ), Gerota’s fascia (padded tissue around renal pelvis) & parietal peritoneum- which protects them from any physical trauma outside[1].

How Do You Get A Laceration In Your Kidney?

One can develop a variety of injuries such as bruises and broken bones but when it comes to renal traumas only 10% are superficial while others need immediate medical attention[2]. Even seemingly minor external impact may lead to devastating discomfort or bleeding inside[3].

Lifestyle factors such alcohol consumption drive many inefficient decisions like getting involved in dangerous activities where violent accidents occur leading to severe closed traumas i.e., blunt force[4]. So, refrain from engaging in reckless activities!

Types of Kidney Lacerations

Lacerated kidney is a general term to reference all types of injuries to the soft tissue in your kidneys. Some examples include:

Cortical laceration

A cortical laceration involves damage or tears only on the surface – cortex – tissue layering outermost part of each kidney; disrupted glomeruli and blood vessels lead to accumulation- haematoma or there may be fragmentation creating suspicious fluid collection[5].

Medullary laceration

Medullary injury which could involve partial penetration (less serious) may occur either as extension downwardly after involving renal pyramid or innervation ruptures along with greater, higher-force trauma[6].

Stellate/large lacerations

When any shape of cutting blunt causes lots of bleeding into kidney; at that time stellate/ multifocal cuts are formed causing fractures across entire renal parenchyma it could also create an impression like starburst pattern hence this phenomenon was referred as a “stellate” [7]

No matter what type you have, having an unnoticed problem can cause life-threatening issues such as acute obstructions, so it’s important not to overlook potential signs.

Symptoms To Watch Out For?

After experiencing physical stressors potentially registering minor swollen areas around lower back just because both kidneys reside underneath them wouldn’t quite ring alarm bells for anyone so its recommended that people need to take immediate action when these kinds popped up:

  • Swelling & pain: Injured zone will feel tender amidst spontaneous ache than one might expect & could swell even though that counterpart might appear normal.

  • Blood first!(haematuria): The most apparent sign is red urinary discharge consistent with mild to severe symptoms including dark bordeaux colored urine (caused by clots), complaints about analgesic effect[symptomatic]. If this is the case, get medical attention immediately.

  • Sepsis: Kidney injuries are apt to lead septicemia and shock due to complications like suppressing renal transporters without proper care. Development of fever along with muscle tension could also be indicative of bacterial infection ensuing from trauma[8].

Does a Lacerated Kidney Require Surgical Intervention?

The difficulty in breathing at all isn’t directly related but if you think you have ruptured your kidneys increasing exhalation session is advisable so that atleast they can feel potentially viable for the body functions remaining. Doctors might suggest nonoperative approach as long as stable hemodynamic profiles after securing the position of patient[9].

Usually, unless relief valves i.e., ureters are seriously affected by blood loss or fluids accumulating around it; doctors resort to conservative treatment incorporating catheterisation and restricted antibiotics usage (if there’s any indication/suspect in sepsis).

However, emergency surgery requirements depend upon several factors including how deep lacerations were et cetera providing adequate drainage channels through nephrostomy should be enough quite some times[10]!

Conclusion

In conclusion, lacerated kidney symptoms mainly stem from internal bleeding where complications often occur weeks or sometimes months after traumatic event whereas classification depends on depth or kickback effect within specific regions among various kinds either cortical/medullary stress fractures etc.

Take heed to avoid external forceful assaults especially when immediate distance medical supervision isnt available/delayed because even minor similar knocks could trigger this kind of damage irritating fluid shift leading up-to serious catalysts such general immobility unnoticed moments indeed!

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