The impact of genital trauma on wounded servicemen: qualitative study

Abstract

Background: Recent military operations in Afghanistan have resulted in considerable lower limb trauma. Associated with this trauma have been serious injuries to the genitalia. No previous study has looked at the effect of traumatic genital injury on the individual. This study expresses the impact of these injuries.

Methods: A qualitative evaluation, interviewing 13 male patients with extensive genital injuries, including 11 patients with orchidectomies.

Results: Patients attach a very high importance to their genital injury, rating this injury as having more impact than lower limb amputations. They also have a high expectation for the recovery of sexual function. Psychological outcomes are better when an individual's future fertility is known at an early stage.

Conclusion: Better outcomes are achieved for the patient when psychological and surgical support if provided throughout the long treatment and recovery process It is important that every effort is made to preserve fertility right from the point of injury.

Keywords: Afghanistan; Genital injury; Orchidectomy; Polytrauma.