Surgical injuries of the ureter. A review of 42 cases.

A review of 42 cases of iatrogenic ureteral injuries treated at the Department of Urology in Lund is presented. A thorough knowledge of the anatomy and blood supply of the ureter is necessary to avoid damage to the ureter during surgery. If, however, such injuries occur, early diagnosis is desirable. Several surgical methods are available for reconstruction. Of great importance is proper choice of the procedures to be used in a given case. The value of diverting operations (pyelostomy, nephrostomy) is stressed. Nephrectomy cannot always be avoided especially if the injury is not detected early. In order to evaluate the results of reconstructive procedures postoperative control with intravenous pyelography is recommended to enable early diagnosis of restrictures and thereby early reoperation.