Renal cyst mimicking hydronephrosis after uterine artery ligation for postpartum haemorrhage

The proximity of the uterus and the cervix to the urinary tract predisposes the latter to injury during obstetrical and gynaecological surgical procedures. Following a difficult surgical procedure on the lower uterine segment and or adnexa, urinary tract injury should be excluded.

A booked 39-year-old G3P2 lady who suffered an ischaemic stroke in the index pregnancy had a caesarean delivery at 39 weeks of gestation and sustained an extensive tear that extended inferiorly on the left lateral aspect of the uterus and this resulted in postpartum haemorrhage. Following the repair of the tear, uterine artery ligation was performed to achieve haemostasis.

Postoperatively, conventional ultrasonography which was performed to exclude ureteric injury suggested left hydronephrosis and a preliminary report of computerized tomography (CT) showed the same finding. The patient subsequently had left ureteric stenting. The final report of the CT scan was delayed but showed a simple left renal cyst and no hydronephrosis.

Renal cyst is a differential diagnosis of hydronephrosis. Delayed availability of the final result of medical investigations jeopardises patients' safety. A preliminary imaging report is prone to error and its use to determine the indication for an invasive procedure should be limited to emergencies.