Litigation following Ureteral Injuries associated with Gynaecological Surgery

Ureteral injury is one of the complications inherent in any gynaecological pelvic surgery. From the beginning of this century, the range of ureteral injuries during standard gynaecological surgery has been reported to be between 0.04 and 1.46 percent, with a mean of 0.21 percent (234 injuries in 110,351 operations, 1902–1998). The mean ureteral complication rate is essentially the same for the three kinds of hysterectomies performed by most gynaecologists (laparascopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy [LAVH]-0.42%, total abdominal hysteroctomy [TAH]-0.18%, vaginal hysterectomy [VH]-0.25%). Ureteral injuries occur across the range of pathological conditions, operators and operative techniques which suggest that there is a critical incidence of ureteral injury below which gynaecological surgery has not been able to fall (in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 percent). This may be because the exact position of the ureter is not constant. The course of the ureter as it crosses beneath the uterine artery, as close as one to two cm from the lateral aspect of the uterus, is such that the margin for error is very small.In this report, we summarize the circumstances, allegations and conclusions of 13 Canadian resolved cases of litigated ureteral injuries sustained during gynaecological surgery. By reviewing these cases, surgeons may familiarize themselves with the most frequent allegations brought by plaintiffs, and the questions and principles that judges apply in reaching their conclusions. In all 13 cases, the allegation of informed consent failed as a reasonable person would have agreed to surgery under the conditions, even if the risk of ureteral injury had been disclosed. Furthermore, the risk of ureteral injury does not have to be disclosed because it is a known complication with a frequency of occurrence of less than 0.5 percent and it is not considered a material risk. The use of a pre-operative IVP, ureteral stenting or intra-operative dyes is of little value in preventing ureteral injuries. In nine of the 13 cases (70%) the judge ruled in favour of the defendant.The cardinal rules in the management of ureteral injuries during gynaecological surgery are prevention, identification of the injury intra-operatively and a high index of suspicion postoperatively.     

妇科腹腔镜手术泌尿系损伤的临床分析

目的：探讨妇科腹腔镜手术发生泌尿系损伤的相关因素、诊断、治疗方法及预防措施。方法：回顾分析2002年1月至2012年12月北京大学人民医院妇科腹腔镜手术发生泌尿系损伤患者的临床资料。总结分析患者的疾病类型、手术方式、损伤特点、诊疗情况及预后等。结果：妇科腹腔镜手术共4773例,泌尿系损伤发生18例（0.38％）,其中8例发生于腹腔镜恶性肿瘤手术,8例发生于腹腔镜辅助阴式全子宫切除术（LAVH）,2例发生于腹腔镜附件手术。18例泌尿系损伤患者中5例有腹部手术史,有腹部手术史者的泌尿系损伤发生率高于无手术史者（P〈0.05）。18例泌尿系损伤患者中膀胱损伤4例,其中3例位于膀胱后壁,1例位于膀胱三角区;输尿管损伤14例,其中输尿管上段损伤2例,中段损伤10例,下段损伤2例;左侧输尿管损伤2例,右侧12例。术中发现损伤10例,其中4例膀胱损伤和6例输尿管损伤;术后发现8例,均为输尿管损伤,于术后1～10天发现,均经静脉肾盂造影确诊。11例经再次手术修补成功,7例放置输尿管支架6个月（3～12个月）保守治疗成功。结论：腹腔镜下恶性肿瘤手术、LAVH、有腹部手术史患者发生泌尿系损伤机率较高,输尿管损伤多于膀胱损伤。术者需高度警惕,术后严密观察,如发现泌尿道损伤,尽早请泌尿科医师共同决定治疗方法。     

Iatrogenic injuries to the ureter during gynecologic and obstetric operations

Iatrogenic injuries to the ureter are hazardous complications of pelvic and vaginal operations, causing severe morbidity and even mortality. Eighteen such instances that occurred during the last 30 years are analyzed. Most of the injuries were associated with attempts to achieve hemostasis without proper identification of the ureter. The incidence of ureteral injuries declined during the years concomitantly with the improvement of surgical techniques. 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. Those diagnosed at the time of injury and treated with end to end anastomosis had the best results. Delayed diagnosis and treatment were associated with poor end results. The English literature is reviewed.     

Urological injuries during hysterectomies: a 6-year review

AIM: Urological injuries that occur during hysterectomy are a rare but important cause of morbidity. An understanding of the risk factors can help us to reduce their incidence and studying their management and outcome could help us to evolve optimal management strategies. The aim of the present study was to examine the incidence of urological injuries that occur during hysterectomy and to determine the risk factors, management and outcome of such injuries. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of cases of urological injuries sustained during hysterectomies carried out from June 1996 until May 2002, at our institution. The chi-squared test was applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The overall incidence of urological injuries was 0.40% (0.28% bladder and 0.12% ureteral). No ureteral injuries occurred during vaginal surgery. The incidence of bladder injury was significantly higher in non-descent vaginal hysterectomies compared with abdominal hysterectomies or vaginal hysterectomies for genital prolapse (P<0.05). Hysterectomy for ovarian malignancies had a significantly higher risk for bladder injuries compared with other indications. Bladder injuries detected during vaginal hysterectomies could be managed through the vaginal route. All the repairs healed successfully. CONCLUSIONS: Non-descent vaginal hysterectomy and hysterectomy for ovarian malignancies have a higher risk of bladder injury. Urological injuries during hysterectomy are uncommon. Early detection and appropriate management ensure successful healing and minimal long-term sequelae.     

Ureteral catheter placement for prevention of ureteral injury during laparoscopic hysterectomy

AIM: Ureteral injury is among the most devastating complications of gynecologic surgery. Estimated incidence of ureteral injury during laparoscopic hysterectomy is 2.6-35 times (0.2-6.0%) that in abdominal hysterectomy. We investigated preoperative ureteral catheter (UC) placement as a way to prevent ureteral injury in laparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS: Clinical records of 94 women who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy between February 2006 and January 2007 in Yazaki Hospital, Kanagawa, Japan, were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-four patients between February and June 2006 underwent the surgery without ureteral catheterization and 60 patients between July 2006 and January 2007 underwent surgery with ureteral catheterization. Clinical outcomes were statistically compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The average time required for catheter insertion was 9.35 min. The ureter in which the catheter was placed was visualized clearly. In one patient, whose left ureter was deviated by a massive myoma, catheter insertion was not possible. No complications arose from catheter placement except for minor complaints including low back pain, urinary discomfort, and transient hematuria. While one injury occurred in a patient without ureteral catheterization (1/34), no ureteral injury occurred in any patient with ureteral catheterization (0/60). Operative time, total blood loss, and hospital stay were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: UC placement is simple, helping to prevent ureteral injury during laparoscopic hysterectomy and enhancing safety of this procedure.     

Lower urinary tract injury during the Burch procedure: is there a role for routine cystoscopy?

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the use of intraoperative cystoscopy for the detection of incidental bladder or ureteral injuries during abdominal urethropexy procedures and to determine whether the incidence of injuries warrants the routine use of cystoscopy. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 109 consecutive patients who underwent abdominal urethropexy procedures between November 1990 and February 1996 at a teaching institution. Each underwent intraoperative cystoscopy. We determined the incidence of cystotomy and ureteral obstruction and attempted to determine surgical factors that might be associated with an increased risk of injury. RESULTS: Ten of 109 patients (9%) had bladder or ureteral injury, including 1 cystotomy during retropubic dissection, 6 cases of a transvesical suture noted during cystoscopy, 1 cystotomy recognized before closure, 1 case of ureteral obstruction found during cystoscopy, and 1 case of ureteral obstruction not recognized at cystoscopy. Cystoscopy allowed detection of 7 of 9 (78%) otherwise unrecognized events. The only injury that resulted in significant postoperative morbidity was the unrecognized ureteral obstruction. There was no association between incidence of lower urinary tract injuries and surgical risk factors. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative bladder or ureteral injuries during urethropexy procedures are not uncommon, with an incidence of 9% in our series. There is minimal morbidity if these injuries are detected and corrected during the operation, whereas morbidity may be significant if they remain unrecognized. With a potential for unrecognized injury in 8% of Burch procedures without the use of cystoscopy, routine use of cystoscopy during urethropexy procedures appears to be warranted.     

Outcome of laparoscopic repair of ureteral injury: follow-up of twelve cases

Study ObjectiveTo review the feasibility of laparoscopic repair in cases of ureteral injuries occurring during gynecologic laparoscopy.DesignRetrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).SettingInstitution-specific retrospective review of data from a tertiary referral medical center.PatientsPatients suffering from iatrogenic ureteral injuries diagnosed during or after surgery, and cases with deliberate ureteral resection and repair because of underlying disease.Measurements and Main ResultsWe conducted a retrospective review of all (10 345) laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries performed in our institute between February 2004 and November 2008. Twelve cases (median: 45.5 years, range: 27–63) of ureter transections were diagnosed and repaired laparoscopically by endoscopists. Of these, 10 had previous surgeries, pelvic adhesions, or a large pelvic-abdominal mass. One patient had undergone a segmental resection and laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy for deep infiltrative endometriosis. Of the remaining 11 iatrogenic ureteral transections, 10 were repaired via laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy, whereas 1 had undergone a laparoscopic ureteroneocystostomy. One injury was recognized on the second postoperative day, but intraoperative recognition was attained in 11 cases. The median duration of double J stenting was 73 days. Three patients had development of strictures (between 42 and 79 days after surgery) treated with restenting, but 1 had to undergo an ureteroneocystostomy for ureter disruption when trying to restent. One patient had development of leakage of the anastomotic site but recovered with a change of the double J stent. Only 1 case required another laparotomy for ureteroneocystostomy. Laparoscopic primary repair of ureteral injury was successful for 11 of 12 patients. All the patients were well and symptom free at the conclusion of the study period.ConclusionEarly recognition and treatment of ureteral injuries are important to prevent morbidity. Laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy could be considered in transections of the ureter where technical expertise is available. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series, to date, of ureteral repairs via laparoscopy.     

Urinary tract injury in laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of urinary tract injury after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). DESIGN: A retrospective study that evaluated all cases of urinary tract injury at the time of LAVH in an 11-year period. Parameters including surgical indication, site of injury, time of diagnosis, method of treatment, and long-term follow-up were analyzed. (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 38 urinary tract injuries were found in 7725 LAVH. INTERVENTION: LAVH and repair of urinary tract injuries with transvaginal or transabdominal approach. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The incidence of urinary tract injury after LAVH was 4.9/1000 procedures: 3.9/1000 for urinary bladder injury and 1.0/1000 for ureteral injury. Prior cesarean section was the most common risk factor for bladder injuries. Ninety-six percent (29/30) of urinary bladder injuries were detected and treated during surgery. Half (4/8, 50%) of the ureteral injuries were identified during surgery. Of the 38 complications, 28 (75.7%) occurred in surgery. CONCLUSION: Most urinary tract injuries in LAVH were identified during surgery and are associated with the surgeon's experience. Bladder injury can be repaired either transvaginally or abdominally; ureteral injury can be repaired abdominally.     

妇科手术泌尿系统损伤42例临床分析

目的 探讨妇科手术泌尿系统损伤的临床特点和处理。方法 对1990年1月1日至2001年12月31日期间在北京协和医院妇科手术中发生的42例泌尿系统损伤的类型,时间,术后尿瘘的发生和诊治经过,进行回顾性分析。结果 在12849例妇科手术中,发生泌尿系统损伤42例,发生率为0.33%。其中,输尿管损伤11例,包括输尿管下段损伤5例,近膀胱入口段损伤4例和骨盆入口段损伤2例。发生率为0.09%;膀胱损伤31例,均发生于膀胱底部或后壁,发生率为0.24%,发现损伤的时间,术中32例（76%）,术后10例（24%）,尿瘘形成14例（33%）,其中10例经过尿,血和引流液电解质,肌酐和尿素氮含量的比较而明确尿瘘存在;9例行美蓝实验和（或）膀胱镜检查,其中4例经此项检查诊断为膀胱瘘;8例经静脉肾盂造影诊断为输尿管瘘;经过术中及时修补,置入输尿管双J管和（或）保留尿管开放治疗,41例治愈。结论 大部分妇科手术泌尿系统损伤,经及时诊断和处理,预后较好。     

Can centralised care of complex laparoscopic procedures prevent urinary tract injuries?

Centralised care of complex laparoscopic procedures offers expertise and multidisciplinary care. The objective was to identify if centralised care makes urinary tract injuries less likely or avoidable. This Retrospective Audit was performed at a Tertiary Referral Centre for Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery in North East England. The incidence of injury to bladder/ureter, time of diagnosis, instrument, location, side and mode of repair were evaluated in 105 consecutive complex laparoscopic procedures. Injuries were identified in three (2.8%) cases. There was one bladder injury which was unavoidable. The bladder dome was opened to allow excision of bladder endometriosis. There were two ureter injuries. The first injury involved the ureter being locked in a vaginal vault stitch. The second injury had stage IV endometriosis with peri-ureteric endometriosis where the anatomy was distorted, with medial displacement and kinking of the ureter secondary to fibrosis at the level of the ureter crossing below the uterine artery, with resultant accidental transection of the ureter close to the uterine artery. The first ureter injury was not a laparoscopic injury but due to vaginal vault closure. Arguably, vault closure in any vaginal hysterectomy could carry the same theoretical risk. The only direct laparoscopic injury was the ureteral transection. Such cases present a challenge due to a higher chance of anatomical distortion and predisposition to urinary tract injury. Noteworthy here is the fact that the ureter injury occurred where there was probable distortion of the anatomy, due to endometriosis, of the ureter at the level of the uterine artery. These cases are tackled by experienced laparoscopic surgeons in tertiary centres, yet injuries still occur. Is it possible then that those injuries represent a minimum unavoidable injury rate, and are they injuries or in fact unavoidable consequences of such inherently dangerous and difficult surgery?     

Laparoscopic repair of ureteral injuries

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcome of laparoscopic repair of pelvic ureter injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective case series (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Large urban tertiary care medical center. PATIENTS: Four women who had pelvic ureter injuries and laparoscopic repair during laparoscopic gynecologic procedures. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All injuries were identified immediately and repaired laparoscopically. No patient required repeat surgery. On assessment by physical examination, serum creatinine, and intravenous urogram, no patient had evidence of renal insufficiency. One woman had a narrowing at the site of ureteroureterostomy 6 weeks after repair; it was resolved on urogram 8 months after the injury. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ureteroureterostomy is feasible in some cases of ureteral injury. Experience with laparoscopic suturing is necessary to perform this procedure.     

Urinary Tract Injuries in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review

The aim of this review was to estimate the incidence of urinary tract injuries associated with laparoscopic hysterectomy and describe the long-term sequelae of these injuries and the impact of early recognition. Studies were identified by searching the PubMed database, spanning the last 10 years. The key words “ureter” or “ureteral” or “urethra” or “urethral” or “bladder” or “urinary tract” and “injury” and “laparoscopy” or “robotic” and “gynecology” were used. Additionally, a separate search was done for “routine cystoscopy” and “gynecology.” The inclusion criteria were published articles of original research referring to urologic injuries occurring during either laparoscopic or robotic surgery for gynecologic indications. Only English language articles from the past 10 years were included. Studies with less than 100 patients and no injuries reported were excluded. No robotic series met these criteria. A primary search of the database yielded 104 articles, and secondary cross-reference yielded 6 articles. After reviewing the abstracts, 40 articles met inclusion criteria and were reviewed in their entirety. Of those 40 articles, 3 were excluded because of an inability to extract urinary tract injuries from total injuries. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized linear mixed effects model. The overall urinary tract injury rate for laparoscopic hysterectomy was 0.73%. The bladder injury rate ranged from 0.05% to 0.66% across procedure types, and the ureteral injury rate ranged from 0.02% to 0.4% across procedure type. In contrast to earlier publications, which cited unacceptably high urinary tract injury rates, laparoscopic hysterectomy appears to be safe regarding the bladder and ureter.     

Ureteroscopy: Savior to the gynecologist?—Ureteroscopic management of post laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy ureterovaginal fistulas

Iatrogenic ureteral injuries are among the most serious complications in gynecologic surgery. With the increasing popularity of laparoscopic gynecologic surgery, the incidence of ureteral injuries is on the rise. We report 2 cases of post laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (post LAVH) ureterovaginal fistulas, which were managed successfully with retrograde stenting using ureteroscopy. Three middle-aged women who underwent LAVH for symptomatic myomas of the uterus presented with ureterovaginal fistulas in the late postoperative period. Excretory urography revealed ureterovaginal fistulas involving the distal ureter. Retrograde stenting was possible in 2 patients, using a 7.5F rigid ureteroscope. Both patients became continent 2 days after surgery. Urography at 6 weeks revealed normal renal function without obstruction or extravasation of urine, and the stents were removed. Stenting failed in the third patient; the patient underwent a ureteric reimplantation successfully. Post LAVH ureterovaginal fistulas are amenable to ureteroscopic retrograde double-J stenting, which enables spontaneous recovery of the injured ureter. An attempt of ureteroscopic stenting should be considered in all patients with post LAVH ureterovaginal fistulas before subjecting them to other modalities.     

The incidence of urinary tract injury during hysterectomy: a prospective analysis based on universal cystoscopy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of urinary tract injury due to hysterectomy for benign disease. STUDY DESIGN: Patients were enrolled prospectively from 3 sites. All patients undergoing abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign disease underwent diagnostic cystourethroscopy. RESULTS: Four hundred seventy-one patients participated. Ninety-six percent (24/25) of urinary tract injuries were detected intraoperatively. There were 8 cases of ureteral injury (1.7%) and 17 cases of bladder injury (3.6%). Ureteral injury was associated with concurrent prolapse surgery (7.3% vs 1.2%; P = .025). Bladder injury was associated with concurrent anti-incontinence procedures (12.5% vs 3.1%; P = .049). Abdominal hysterectomy was associated with a higher incidence of ureteral injury (2.2% vs 1.2%) but this was not significant. Only 12.5% of ureteral injuries and 35.3% of bladder injuries were detected before cystoscopy. CONCLUSION: The incidence of urinary tract injury during hysterectomy is 4.8%. Surgery for prolapse or incontinence increases the risk. Routine use of cystoscopy during hysterectomy should be considered.     

宫颈癌根治手术中输尿管及膀胱保护问题

输尿管和膀胱与女性内生殖器官相毗邻,宫颈癌根治术手术范围广、难度大,所以极易发生输尿管和膀胱的损伤,严重影响患者的生存质量。因此,应了解宫颈癌手术输尿管及膀胱损伤的常见原因,术前充分评估,精确掌握手术区域解剖,正确使用各种能量器械,时刻注意保护输尿管及膀胱,避免发生严重后遗症,改善患者的预后,减少医疗纠纷的发生。     

A review of laparoscopic ureteral injury in pelvic surgery

The objective of this study was to review the body of literature in reference to ureteral injury during laparoscopic surgeries and to determine: 1) the reported rates of ureteral injury; 2) the initial laparoscopic surgeries during which ureteral injury occurred; 3) the time of injury recognition (intra- versus postoperative); 4) the type, 5) the location, and 6) the mode of injury repair; and 7) the surgical laparoscopic instruments involved in ureteral injury.The appropriate medical subject heading (MSH) terms were selected and used in a search of the Medline computerized database and the online American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists database. World literature published in the English language on ureteral injury during laparoscopic surgery between 1966 and 2003 was reviewed.A total of 70 reported instances of ureteral injury during laparoscopic surgery were identified among 2491 reported cases in which ureteral laparoscopic complications were discussed. Incidences of injury ranged from <1% to 2%. These 2491 cases of laparoscopy were presented as a mixed group, which included case reports, small series of studies, as well as longer, consecutive studies. In 18 of the 70 (25.7%) cases, the initial laparoscopic procedures during which ureteral injury occurred were not described or specified. In cases in which the type of laparoscopic surgery was specified, 14 of the 70 (20.0%) total cases of ureteral injury occurred during laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). Ureteral injury was identified intraoperatively in 6 of 70 (8.6%) cases, postoperatively in 49 of 70 (70.0%) cases, and, in 15 of 70 (21.4%) cases, the time of diagnosis was not specified. In 36 of the 70 (51.4%) reported injuries, the type of injury was not specified or described. In instances in which the types of injury were described, transection occurred most commonly, accounting for 14 of 70 (20.0%) injuries. The location of ureteral injury was not specified in 46 of the 70 (65.7%) cases. When location was specified, injuries most often occurred at or above the pelvic brim, accounting for 10 of the total 70 (14.3%). Electrocautery was involved in 17 of the 70 (24.3%) cases of ureteral injury, but in 34 of the 70 (48.6%) cases, the surgical laparoscopic instrument involved was not reported. A laparotomy was used to repair the ureteral injury in 43 of 70 (61.4%) cases.Ureteral injuries reported in peer-reviewed journals often lack detailed presentation of the initial laparoscopic surgeries during which ureteral injury occurred, or of the type, the location, and the instrumentation involved in ureteral injury. A high incidence of ureteral injury was found among the laparoscopic procedures analyzed in this review. Laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy was the leading procedure in which injury occurred, and instruments involved in electrocoagulation were associated with the most injuries incurred during laparoscopic surgery.     

Value of ureteral catheterization in laparoscopy]

OBJECTIVE: Describe indications and procedures of ureteral retrograde catheter placement in operative laparoscopy. Assess the security that allows this technique to avoid or detect ureteral injury. STUDY DESIGN: A cohort study over a five year period was performed on 1722 patients who underwent an operative gynecologic laparoscopy. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: When presumptive evidence of ureter adhesiolysis (dense adhesions from previous surgery, endometriosis), or suspicion of iatrogenic ureter transection, laparoscopic procedure was interrupted. A cystoscopy was performed and an internalized stent was inserted. RESULTS: In nine cases (preventive indications), patients required this procedure in adnexal surgery (dense adhesions from previous operations endometriosis), in oophorectomy for residual ovary syndrome and ovarian remnant syndrome and in hysterectomy with an intraligamentary leiomyomata. In one case (diagnostic indication), ureteral catheter placement was performed after use of an endoscopic linear stapler during a laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: This intra-operative procedure can allow better ureter recognition and its safe dissection when complex operative laparoscopy is foreseen.     

Laparoscopic management of ureteral endometriosis: our experience

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Ureteral endometriosis is rare, accounting for less than 0.3% of all endometriotic lesions. The aim of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of extrinsic ureteral endometriosis in women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for severe endometriosis and to suggest that laparoscopic ureterolysis represents a mandatory measure in all cases to avoid ureteral injury. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all cases of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for severe endometriosis at the departments of obstetrics and gynecology at CMCO-SIHCUS and Hautepierre Hospital, Strasbourg, from November 2004 through January 2006. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We recorded 54 patients with a mean age of 31 years and a mean body mass index of 21.9. Reported symptoms were dysmenorrhea (88%), severe dyspareunia (88%), severe pelvic pain (38.8%), and infertility (74%). Five women presented with dysuria, frequency, recurrent urinary tract infections, and pain in the renal angle, and 2 patients had hydronephrosis. We observed 3 patients (5.6%) with ureteral stenosis, 35 (64.8%) with adenomyotic tissue surrounding the ureter without stenosis, and 16 (29.6%) with adenomyotic tissue adjacent to the ureter. It was on the left side in 47.4% of cases, on the right side in 31.6% cases, and bilaterally in 21% of cases. In 9 patients, ureteral involvement was associated with bladder endometriosis (16.7%). In all patients, ureterolysis was performed. There was 1 case of ureteral injury during the procedure, 2 of transitory urinary retention, and 1 of uretero-vaginal fistula after surgery. During the first year of follow-up, the disease recurred in 4 patients, with no evidence of the disease in the urinary tract. CONCLUSION: Conservative laparoscopic surgery to relieve ureteral obstruction and remove pathologic tissue is the management of choice. Resection of part of the ureter should be performed only in exceptional cases. Ureterolysis should be performed in all patients before endometriotic nodule resection to recognize and prevent any ureteral damage.     

妇科腹腔镜手术中输尿管损伤的临床特点及处理

目的探讨妇科腹腔镜手术中输尿管损伤的主要原因及诊断、治疗和预防的方法。方法回顾性分析我院13年间,妇科腹腔镜手术中发生输尿管损伤患者的临床资料、疾病类型、盆腔情况、手术类型、损伤特点、诊治情况及预后。结果．5541例妇科腹腔镜手术中,共发生输尿管损伤8例,发生率为0．14％,其中腹腔镜辅助阴式子宫切除术(LAVH)发生输尿管损伤6例,腹腔镜下全子宫切除术(TLH)1例,盆腔侧壁粘连松解手术1例。主要妇科疾病为：子宫腺肌症、子宫内膜异位症、子宫肌瘤;8例均有盆腔粘连,4例有盆腹腔手术史,7例子宫手术者,子宫均有增大(6～10周)。输卵管损伤症状出现于术后0～13d,包括：引流量增多、腹痛或腹胀、腰疼、恶心呕吐、发热、尿量减少、阴道流水、腹部皮下水肿、腹膜炎等。诊断时间在术后0～17d,主要确诊方法为静脉肾盂造影。损伤位于输尿管下段6例,入盆腔段2例。2例早期发现者均行开腹手术修补,晚期发现者,2例输尿管置管成功,3例置管当时失败,1例置管后又出现尿瘘行开腹修补。预后均较好。结论输尿管损伤是妇科腹腔镜手术少见而严重的并发症。术后引流量的异常增多以及出现发热、腰腹痛、急腹症、阴道流水等症状时,应警惕输尿管损伤的可能。治疗以手术为主。     

Management of ureteric injuries during gynecological operations: 10 years experience

OBJECTIVE(S): To present our 10 years experience in the management of ureteric injuries occurring during gynecological surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-six patients had a variety of injuries. In 29 cases, the ureteric damage was diagnosed intraoperatively. Management of early-diagnosed injuries included suturing, ligature removal, end-to-end anastomosis, and reimplantation of the ureter. In 47 cases, the injury was diagnosed postoperatively. Ureteric catheterization was attempted in all cases presenting with obstruction. Catheterization failures were managed with ureterolysis, and reimplantation. Small ureteric fistula were managed with catheterization, and large communications with reimplantation. Two cases with urinomas were treated with surgical evacuation and anastomoses. RESULTS: Management of early-diagnosed injuries was relatively easy in most cases. Postoperatively-diagnosed injuries were more difficult to treat. Catheterization failed in 28/44 (65.9%) ureters and surgical re-exploration was necessary. Long-term morbidity was minimal and no relapses occurred. CONCLUSION(S): Early recognition of a ureteric injury is the key to a complications-free repair. Unrecognized injuries cause prolonged morbidity, and their management can be difficult. Treatment of these injuries by experienced teams may minimize long-term consequences.