Ureteral strictures and fistulae following radical hysterectomy

Three hundred patients have undergone radical hysterectomy and pelvic node dissection at The University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB). Uretero-vaginal fistulae occurred in four (1.3%). None of these were associated with recurrent carcinoma. Two occurred because of intraoperative trauma and two were unexplained. Ureteral strictures occurred in 13 (4.3%). Three were early (within 3 months) and were due to benign causes. Ten were late (after 3 months) and were due to recurrent cancer. Thirty-two patients received whole pelvis radiation therapy for positive pelvic nodes or positive margins. None of these developed uretero-vaginal fistulae. Two developed ureteral obstruction and recurrent cancer was the etiology. Four patients received postoperative vaginal ovoids for positive vaginal margins. None developed a fistulae, but two developed ureteral obstruction secondary to recurrent cancer. Two patients received both whole pelvis and vaginal ovoid irradiation. No fistulae occurred, but one developed ureteral obstruction from recurrent cancer. Recurrent cancer causing ureteral obstruction was a serious finding as only 2 of 10 patients have been salvaged.