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Ureteral injury presenting with hyponatremia
1Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, San Diego, California 92103, USA. mimilukacz@aol.com
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|November 13, 2001
Summary
Hyponatremia can be an unrecognized symptom of ureteral injury following gynecologic surgery. Prompt recognition and intervention, such as urinoma drainage, can resolve this electrolyte imbalance.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Surgery
- Urology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Ureteral injuries are rare complications of gynecologic surgery.
- Classic symptoms of ureteral injury are well-documented.
- Hyponatremia has not been previously associated with ureteral injury.
Observation:
- A 44-year-old woman developed symptoms of ureteral obstruction post-salpingo-oophorectomy.
- She simultaneously presented with hyponatremia (serum sodium 124 mEq/L).
- Hyponatremia resolved immediately after percutaneous drainage of a urinoma.
Findings:
- This case suggests a novel association between ureteral injury and hyponatremia.
- Untreated ureteral injuries may lead to the development of hyponatremia.
- Serum electrolyte monitoring may aid in diagnosing ureteral injury.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider ureteral injury in patients presenting with unexplained hyponatremia, particularly after gynecologic procedures.
- Early diagnosis and management of ureteral injuries are crucial.
- This finding expands the clinical presentation of ureteral injury.