[Pathology of the gynecologic ureter]

Ureteral lesions due to pelvic endometriosis, gynecological surgery and post-actinic are common findings in urology. Pelvic endometriosis can also be caused by a direct or indirect ureteral lesion after laparoscopic procedures. Stenosing ureteral lesions can be found after major gynecological surgery and after laparoscopic procedures. Many surgical techniques have been described to reduce the risks and to correct the complications.

In our experience (1985-2000) we registered 2 ureteral lesions due to pelvic endometriosis. The patients were treated with resection and end-to-end anastomosis. We also protected the site of suture with omentoplasty. 49 patients developed a post-actinic ureteral lesion (43 unilaterally and 6 bilaterally). In 20 cases we performed an end-to-end anastomosis, in 25 cases we re-implanted the ureter and in 10 cases we performed a psoas hitch. In 36 patients we performed an omentoplastic procedure. Ureteral lesions after gynecological surgery were registered in 44 patients (33 after trans-vaginal hysterectomy, 6 after colposuspension, 5 after Wertheim). 40 ureters underwent open air surgery (26 patients, resection + end-to-end anastomosis, 6 patients simple re-implantation, 4 psoas hitch). In 32 patients we performed an omentoplastic procedure. 4 patients were corrected with an endoscopic procedure. These patients had a fulgurating lesion of the ureter with a consequent urinary fistula. A long-term drainage with endoureteral stent avoided the operation. All patients with an acute ureteral lesion were treated with a nephrostomic drainage and a short term repair.

In 2 patients with ureteral lesions due to pelvic endometriosis the results after corrective operation (3-4 years follow-up) were excellent with a good conservation of kidney function. In patients that underwent operation due to post-actinic ureteral stenosis, long-term results were: 78% complete preservation of kidney function without the need for permanent stents, 20% preservation of kidney function with need to conserve endoureteral stents, 2% loss of kidney function and consequent nephrectomy. Long-term results in patients that underwent an operation for ureteral lesions following surgical gynecological procedures were: 87% complete preservation of kidney function without the need of permanent stents, 13% conservation of kidney function but no need to preserve the endoureteral stent.

Lower urinary tract lesions after gynecological surgery are present in every surgical study. Most authors describe that intraoperative cystoscopy can immediately enhance the problem avoiding a re-operation. The laparoscopic risk seems to be for the cardinal ligaments when they divide beneath the uterine veins. Most authors seem to agree with the immediate need for a nephrostomic drainage followed by a postponed intervention. These procedures seem to reduce morbidity and the risk for a re-operation. In extended ureteral lesions there is agreement that psoas hitch is the best procedure. In our experience a nephrostomic drainage and a postponed intervention (2 weeks) has given comparable results with the best in literature as far as kidney function is concerned. The worst results were registered in patients with chronic lesions and with a deteriorated kidney function at the moment of the corrective procedure.