Prevention of ureteral injuries in gynecologic surgery

Pelvic surgery is the most common cause of iatrogenic ureteral injury. The majority of patients with ureteral injuries have no identifiable predisposing risk factors. A simple maneuver that has been taught successfully at our institution that facilitates the identification of the ureter is described. When injury is discovered during surgery, correction of the injury can be repaired with minimal risk of long-term sequelae. Postoperatively, patients with ureteral injury typically present with costovertebral angle tenderness, ileus, fever, and flank pain with a minimal rise in serum creatinine. To prevent ureteral injuries, the surgeon must have a thorough knowledge of the location of the ureter during various pelvic procedures and the specific regions where it is most susceptible to injury.