Beyond brain injuries and PTSD, soldiers’ urological war wounds may get Congressional scrutiny

Congress asked for study of urological war wounds

CONCORD, N.H. — Post-traumatic stress disorder and brain injuries are the signature wounds of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But soldiers also are suffering serious injuries to the genitals and urinary system.

New Hampshire Rep. Carol Shea-Porter is concerned that medical personnel may not be properly trained to handle such injuries. She has sponsored a bill to create a national commission to investigate the injuries, find better treatments and design better body armor to protect soldiers from roadside bombs.

Former Army Maj. Anthony Smith of Amorel, Ark., was hit by a grenade in Iraq — losing a kidney and part of his arm and leg. He says the physical and psychological issues that come with urological or genital injuries often get overlooked, especially if a soldier has other injuries.