Ureteral injuries during gynecological surgery.

The purpose of this study was to review the cases of ureteric injuries during major pelvic surgery that occurred in our department over the last 15 years, in relation to possible predisposing factors and patient management according to the type of injury. From 5,122 major gynecologic operations we found 18 cases of ureteric injury, including 4 cases of urinoma. Parameters that were examined included the indication for surgery and the type of operation, coexisting pathological conditions, the position of and the delay in recognition of the ureteric damage. The incidence of ureteric injury was 0.35%. The time of recognition of injury in 9 cases was during primary surgery and end-to-end anastomosis was performed, whereas in the other 9 cases the injury was recognized after surgery and repair of the ureter was performed, with reimplantation into the bladder in 4 cases and end-to-end anastomosis in 5. Action to prevent the development of iatrogenic ureteral injury must be taken in advance, and the management of ureteric injuries could be improved with prompt recognition and repair by a skilled surgeon.