Ureteric injuries following pelvic operations.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic injuries to the ureter are hazardous complications of pelvic operations, causing severe morbidity and even mortality. OBJECTIVE: To present our 10 years experience in the management of such ureteric injuries. DESIGN: A retrospective study carried out between January 1990 and December 1999. SETTING: Two busy health institutions, namely Ife State hospital and Wesley Guild Hospital, both of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. RESULTS: The incidence of iatrogenic injury was 0.4%. Ureteral transection was the commonest lesion (58%). Ureteroneocystostomy was performed in 70% of the operated cases. Those diagnosed at the time of injury and treated with end-to-end anastomosis had the best results. CONCLUSION: The proper identification and, when necessary, isolation of the ureter during operations in which there is a risk is crucial in reducing the incidence of ureteral injuries.