Diagnosis and management of iatrogenic ureteral injury / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the characteristics of iatrogenic urerteral injury and summarize the experiences in prevention,diagnosis and treatment of iatrogenic urerteral injury. MethodsA review was made on the injurycauses,the injury locations,the treatment time,the methods of surgical procedures and the results of treatment in 17 patients with iatrogenic ureteral injury treated surgically from 1997 to 2003. Results Of 17 cases of iatrogenic ureteral injuries,gynecological,general surgical and urological procedures resulted in ureteral injuries in 12 cases (71%),four (24%) and one (6%),respectively. Of all the injuries,65% (11/17) appeared in the lower part of the ureter,18% (3/17) in the middle part of the ureter and 18% (3/17) in the upper part of the ureter. The main injury causes were ligation,partial ligation,complete transection and perforation,accounting for 29% (5/17),41% (7/17),24% (4/17) and 6% (1/17),respectively. Four cases were found during operation,nine at days 2-11 after operation and four were treated 3-6 months after injury. Treatment methods included end-to-end ureteral anastomosis in seven cases,ureteroneocystostomy in three,ureteral lithotomy in one,pure ureteral lysis in three and post-lysis double-J tube insertion in three. All patients were cured. The follow-up ranging from six months to three years showed no patients suffering from urinary tract infection,hydronephrosis or atrophy. Conclusions The location and type of injury determine the type of surgical repair. A thorough knowledge of pelvic anatomy and mastering the basic steps of diagnosis and treatment are critical for prevention and management of the iatrogenic urerteral injury.