What diagnostic tool is used to evaluate urethral injuries?

The retrograde urethrogram is the preferred diagnostic tool for evaluating urethral injuries due to its ability to visualize the urethral anatomy and identify any disruptions or lacerations. During this procedure, a contrast agent is introduced into the urethra, and X-ray imaging is performed to assess the flow of contrast and observe any areas where the urethra may be disrupted. This method is particularly effective in delineating injuries, making it invaluable in the context of trauma assessments where precise information about the injury is necessary for appropriate management.

In contrast, while a CT scan can provide detailed imaging of surrounding tissues and may identify associated pelvic injuries, it is not specialized for visualizing the urethra itself. Ultrasound can offer some benefits for assessing soft tissues but is limited in its ability to define urethral injuries specifically. Standard X-rays do not provide sufficient detail or contrast to evaluate the urethra effectively. Therefore, the retrograde urethrogram stands out as the most targeted and informative diagnostic approach for this specific clinical scenario.