Functional outcomes of surgical treatment of ureteral injury following gynecological and obstetrical surgery.

INTRODUCTION

Iatrogenic ureteral lesions represent one of the serious complications that can follow obstetric and gynecological surgery. This condition has a fatal consequence on renal function if it's not promptly diagnosed and managed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to report our experience in the management of this pathology.

MATERIALS & METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 32 patients treated for an iatrogenic ureteral injury after gynecological or obstetrical surgery, collected in the urology department of the Rabta Hospital over a 15-year period (2005-2020). Clinical presentation, investigations, and operative and postoperative details were reviewed from the patients' charts.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 42.6 (21-61). Multiparity was observed in 90.6% of cases. Hysterectomy was the most common cause (71.87%), followed by cesarean operation (18.75%), mainly for patients with placenta percreta (12.5%), and lastly, cure of prolapse by the upper approach in 9.37% of cases. The symptoms were dominated by low back pain and urinary incontinence. Stenosis was the most frequent lesion in 25 cases, followed by a section in 4 cases. A ureterovaginal fistula was observed in 3 case s. The first-line treatment of the patients was drainage by a ureteral stent (15.6%) or by a percutaneous nephrostomy (84.4%). Ureterovesical reimplantation was performed in 26 cases (81.25%). However, one patient had an Ileal ureter replacement. During follow-up, treatment failure was noted in 7 patients. Four patients developed secondary hydronephrosis treated with a urethral stent while 3 patients required nephrectomy. The type of gynecological and obstetrical procedure (open hysterectomy), history of pelvic surgery, and malignant pathology were predictive factors of treatment failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Injuries to the ureter during gynecological and obstetrical surgery are generally rare. The diversity of repair techniques and the contribution of endo-urological techniques most often allow renal preservation, knowing that the best treatment remains prevention.