Lower pole calicostomy for the management of iatrogenic ureteropelvic junction obstruction

Iatrogenic ureteral injury after gynecological surgery

Iatrogenic ureteral injury can occur in many different settings, however, the majority occur in the context of gynecological procedures. We present a case of a ureteral injury during vaginal hysterectomy for severe pelvic organ prolapse. We provide a discussion on the diagnosis and management of ureteral injury after gynecological surgery. In addition, we compare and contrast the American Urologic Association and European Association of Urology guidelines and offer a short, concise algorithm on the management of all type of ureteral injuries.

Prise en charge des lésions urétérales iatrogènes

Ureteral injury is a rare but potential serious complication that can occur during a variety of general surgical procedures. Knowledge of the course of the ureter is the first step toward preventing ureteral injuries. While some injuries are noticed intraoperatively, most are missed and present later with pain, sepsis, urinary drainage or renal loss. The choice of treatment is based on the location, type and extend of ureteral injury. For injuries recognized during open surgery, when involving the distal 5 cm of the ureter, an antireflux ureterocystostomy such as the Politano-Leadbetter procedure or a vesicopsoas hitch can be performed. For the middle ureter, an ureteroureterostomy is satisfactory and for the proximal ureter, most injuries can be managed by transureteroureterostomy. In complex situations intestinal interposition, autotransplantation or even nephrectomy can be considered. The majority of patients with delayed diagnosed ureteral injuries should be managed by an initial endo-urologic approach.