Ureteric trauma in gynecologic surgery

Nearly all gynecological procedures have been reported to cause ureteric injury, with an incidence of 0.4%-2.5% for non-malignant conditions. The incidence is rising as more ambitious operations are undertaken laparoscopically. Risk factors for ureteric injury include cancer, hemorrhage, endometriosis, adhesions and an enlarged uterus. Types of injury include ligation, crush, laceration, avulsion, stretch and devascularization. The diagnosis may be obvious intraoperatively, but postoperative presentation with loin pain, pyrexia, fistula or non-specific signs is more common. A significant number are asymptomatic. Early diagnosis is vital, and urological investigation should be considered in any patient who is not recovering as expected. Injuries recognized intraoperatively should be repaired during the same operation. Delayed recognized injuries are being managed conservatively with increasing success in selected cases. Early operative repair achieves good results unless the injury is severe. Litigation is less likely if the diagnosis is prompt, repair is successful and the patient is treated with consideration.