Ureteral injuries in gynecologic oncology surgery procedures

This study presents ureteral injuries in gynecologic oncology surgical procedures performed at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Novi Sad, in the period from 1991 to 2001. Intraoperative ureteral injuries were recorded in 4 (1%) patients, including: partial ureteral dissection, bilateral ureteral ligation and complete ureteral dissection bellow the lower pole. In 3 (75%) cases, injuries were recognized immediately, and surgical reparation was performed. The patient with bilateral ureteral ligation presented with increased creatinine levels, anuria and development of hydronephrosis detected by ultrasonography 24 h later. Leading reasons for operative ureteral injuries include inadequate experience of surgeons, carelessness during surgery, wrong indication and wrong approach to ureter. Preparation of ureter with minimal trauma, precise localization and visualization of the complete ureteral length, as well as preservation of its vascular network, are of utmost importance in prevention of injuries.