Iatrogenic urological trauma: a 10-year experience from Port Harcourt

A retrospective study was done to define the clinical characteristics and outcome of treatment of iatrogenic urological injuries in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Consecutive cases of iatrogenic urological injuries treated by consultant surgeons based in the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital over a period of 10 years were reviewed. A total of 37 injuries occurred in 34 patients. The ages ranged from two weeks to 74 years with a mean of 30 years. The distribution of these injuries by sex was 23 males and 14 females. The operations in which the injuries occurred were: hysterectomy 12 cases (32%), hernia repairs 8 cases (22%) and male circumcision 6 cases (16%). The organs injured were ureter 13 times (35%), the bladder 12 times (32%) and the glans penis and distal urethra 12 times (32%). The surgeons responsible were mainly as follows: Gynecologist/Obstetrician 14 (38%), General Practitioner 9 (24%), Nurses 4 (11%), Non-medical persons 4 (11%), Not disclosed 3 (8%). The outcome of treatment was satisfactory in 33 (90%). There were two deaths. Strategies to prevent these injuries include adequate surgical training and meticulous surgical techniques.