Iatrogenic ureteric injuries: approaches to etiology and management

Injury to the ureter is a risk of any pelvic or abdominal surgery, including laparoscopy and ureteroscopy. The morbidity associated with such injury may be serious, resulting in increased hospital stay, compromise of the original surgical outcome, secondary invasive interventions, reoperation, potential loss of renal function and deterioration of the patient's quality of life. Management of ureteric injuries, in conjunction with frank and open dialogue with the patient, can lead to an optimal outcome. For ureteral ligation, removal of the suture and assessment of ureteral viability are recommended, with surgical correction if necessary. For partial transection primary closure is suggested over stent placement. For uncomplicated upper- and middle-third ureteral injury ureteroureterostomy is the procedure of choice. For injuries above the pelvic brim several procedures are available: ureteroureterostomy, ureteroileal interposition and nephrectomy. For injuries below the pelvic brim ureteroneocystostomy is recommended with a psoas hitch or Boari bladder flap. To decrease the incidence of iatrogenic ureteral injury, a sound knowledge of abdominal and pelvic anatomy is the best prevention. If the proposed operation is likely to be close to the ureter, the ureter should be identified at the pelvic brim. If the dissection is likely to be difficult, preoperative intravenous pyelography and placement of a ureteral catheter may help in identifying and protecting the ureter.