External genital injuries in children presenting due to falls

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate pediatric patients who were hospitalized for isolated external genital injuries. Patients and methods: A total of 22 patients (8 males, 14 females; mean age: 6.9±2.7 years; range, 3.1 to 14.2 years) who had isolated external genital injuries were retrospectively analyzed. Data including age, sex, mechanism of injury, injured sites, treatment process, length of hospital stay, and outcomes were evaluated. After presented to the emergency department, the patients were examined under general anesthesia when the source of bleeding could not be observed, in cases of inadequate compliance with the examinations, penetrating injuries, or when the source of bleeding could not be identified due to hematomas. Results: The median length of hospital stay was 2.5 (range, 1 to 5) days. All patients were hemodynamically stable with normal urine output. Seventeen patients (77.2%) had penetrating injuries. In girls, genital bleeding was common. Injuries included perineal (n=7), vaginal (n=2), and labial (n=3) lacerations. Surgical interventions ranged from primary repair to vaginal reconstruction and hymenoplasty. In boys, scrotal lacerations (n=5), testicular edema or hematoma (n=3), and perineal lacerations (n=2) were noted. Primary repair was performed in most cases under anesthesia or sedation. Conclusion: Most external genital injuries in childhood are superficial and can be managed conservatively or with minor interventions. Examination under anesthesia is essential, particularly in girls, to assess the injury extent and determine the need for surgery. This approach minimizes discomfort and provides effective, painless treatment.