ABSTRACT
Trauma to the external genitalia is an uncommon event. Because of the relatively protected position of the penis and testicles between the thighs and pubic bone, these organs are usually able to avoid direct injury from blunt or penetrating forces. Nonetheless, the external genitalia may be severely injured by direct trauma or be secondarily injured in association with more extensive injuries such as burns. The primary care physician may encounter these patients in the urgent care setting, and must be prepared to diagnose and treat genital injuries expeditiously. Mismanagement of these injuries may result in significant physical and psychological consequences, which are often difficult to foresee at the time of injury. Fortunately, treatment protocols for genital injuries have been well defined and confirmed by multi-center experience in the urologic literature. This chapter reviews the management of the most common types of trauma to the penis, urethra, testes, and scrotum.
