Use of ureteral catheters in colonic and rectal surgery.

Injury to the ureters is a serious complication of colonic and rectal surgery. The experience of the authors with routine use of ureteral catheters to minimize this complication is reviewed. It was found that there are minimal complications associated with their use. Injuries to the ureters were not completely avoided. However, unrecognized injuries (except ischemia) did not occur.