Analysis of ureteral injuries for laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery

Ureteral injury is one of the major complications for rectal surgery. However, few studies focused on ureteral injuries from laparoscopic rectal surgery have been reported. Characteristics of this kind of ureteral injuries and the related reasons are unclear. This study was designed to illustrate the characteristics of ureteral injuries during the procedure of laparoscopic rectal surgery and to analyze the related reasons. Of 1120 patients with rectal cancer who underwent laparoscopic surgery between July 2007 and July 2013, 11 cases had the complication of ureteral injuries. Data of these 11 patients were collected and analyzed retrospectively. In our study, the total incidence of ureteral injuries from laparoscopic rectal surgery was 0.98%, and left ureteral injuries were more common. Five cases of ureteral injuries occurred at the takeoff of the inferior mesenteric artery, 4 cases occurred at the small pelvic inlet, and 2 cases occurred at the location where the infundibulopelvic ligament crosses the pelvic brim. Four reasons accounted for the ureteral injuries: 5 cases resulted from massive ligation or cutting off without recognizing the anatomical structure, 3 cases resulted from unfamiliarity with normal anatomical structure under laparoscopy and unskilled laparoscopic operation, 2 cases resulted from an abnormal anatomical structure due to invasion of the tumor, and 1 case resulted from an unusual anatomical variation of ureter. It was easier to damage the left ureter during the procedure of laparoscopic rectal surgery. In conclusion, ureteral injuries usually occurred at three locations, and massive ligation or cutting off without recognizing the anatomical structure was the most common reason for laparoscopy-related ureteral injuries.