Healing after a car crash injures your kidney
A trauma surgeon and a urologist explain urine changes and follow up care
A crash can bruise or tear a kidney. It can also hurt the tubes that carry urine. Some of these injuries only need to be watched. Others call for a procedure or surgery. A trauma surgeon looks for bleeding and other injuries. A urologist checks the urinary tract and any problems that show up later.
Blood in the urine may be easy to see, or it may turn up only on a test. If you were told you have a kidney injury, you still need follow up care even if no blood shows up. [1]
Learn what your scan found
Ask whether one kidney or both were hurt. Find out if the injury reached the collecting system or the ureter, the tube that carries urine to the bladder. Ask what treatment you had. Check whether you need more urine tests, blood tests of kidney function, blood pressure checks or another scan. Get a date for each one and the name of the person who will review the results. [1]
Stick to your limits on activity and medicine
Your team may tell you to avoid hard exercise or sports until they confirm the kidney has healed. Ask what is safe right now. Ask what sign will mean the limit can end. If your discharge papers left out any pain medicine or blood thinner you take, go over it with your team. When you notice a new change, jot down your urine color and amount, any fever and any pain. [1]
Warning signs that need quick action
Get emergency care if you pass much less urine than usual or can’t urinate at all. Fainting, severe pain in your side or belly, or heavy bleeding in your urine also need emergency care.
Call your treating team soon for new blood you can see in your urine, a fever, worsening pain or vomiting. These signs may point to bleeding, an infection or a problem with how urine drains. [1]
Questions for your care team
- Which part of my kidney or urinary tract was hurt?
- Which tests or scans do I need after I go home?
- When can I go back to exercise, work and sports?
Put your next kidney check on the calendar
Add your next urine test, blood pressure check or scan to your calendar. Find out who will contact you with the result. [1]
Sources and further reading
This article is general education from the fields of trauma surgery and urology. A kidney injury can range from a bruise to a major tear. Follow the plan your team made based on your scan and your treatment.
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