[2 cases of uretero-arterial fistula]

Two cases of uretero-arterial fistulas are reported occurring in two patients after pelvic exenteration for cancer with cutaneous ureterostomy. In the first case a pelvic irradiation has been performed before surgery; in the other case a high degree of atherosclerosis was noted. Iliac artery-ureteral fistulas are uncommon and they are generally associated with several underlying pathogenic factors such as: arterial pathology, surgical complications, septis, prior x-ray therapy. It is not doubtfull that the use of a long term ureteral stenting contribute to the development of the fistula. The constant pulsation of the artery transmitted through the ureteral and the arterial wall to a stiff intraluminal stent produces a necrosis then a fistula between them. Retrograde uretero-pyelography seems the better diagnostic test. Treatment of these fistulas is always complex because operation should manage both vascular and ureteral injuries. Embolisation is a less invasive method of treatment but it needs a particular technics. Prognosis of such fistulas is poor and some precautions should be taken to prevent these accidents. When ureteral catheterization is needed for a long term one should assess the arterial conditions and during an operation catheterized ureter should be put far from the artery or an attempt for an epiplooplasty should be performed.