Intentional ureteral ligation in advanced pelvic malignant disease

It is now widely accepted that debulking operative resections can provide effective palliation for some patients with advanced pelvic malignancy, particularly with those malignancies originating in the ovary. Some of these radical operations require the resection of long segments of the ureter and portions of the bladder. Although there is a variety of techniques that can be used in this situation to restore the continuity of the urinary tract, in some instances a simple ureteral ligation may represent the best method of managing the "short ureter." In our experience with 23 patients who underwent intentional ureteral ligation, the procedure was found to be safe, expeditious, and beneficial in managing some of the complex problems associated with advanced pelvic malignant disease.