Obstetric-associated lower urinary tract injuries: A case series from a tertiary centre in a low-resource setting

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Urology
• Surgical Management

Background:

• Obstetric-associated lower urinary tract injuries can arise from vaginal and abdominal deliveries.
• Unrecognized injuries lead to significant physical and psychosocial morbidity.

Observation:

• A retrospective case series analyzed 19 patients with obstetric-associated lower urinary tract injuries at a tertiary institution over five years.
• Bladder injuries constituted the majority (89.5%) of cases, frequently associated with emergency cesarean delivery, previous cesarean deliveries, and adhesions.

Findings:

• Primary repair was attempted in 35.7% of cases before transfer to the tertiary institution.
• Repairs at the tertiary center were primarily conducted by consultant surgeons (42.9%).
• The study identified early recognition and primary repair as crucial factors in mitigating complications.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of vigilance for lower urinary tract injuries during obstetric interventions.
• Emphasizes the benefits of timely diagnosis and surgical repair in improving patient outcomes.
• Informs clinical practice regarding risk factors and management strategies for these iatrogenic injuries.