Iatrogenic ureteric and bladder injuries in obstetric and gynaecologic surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: To review iatrogenic ureteric and urinary bladder injuries from obstetric and gynaecological surgeries treated in the urology department analysing; ureteric anatomy, aetiologic factors, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes.
DESIGN: A retrospective study.
SETTING: Institute of Urology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC), Moshi, Tanzania.
SUBJECTS: Twenty three women were treated for iatrogenic ureteric and bladder injuries secondary to obstetric and gynaecological procedures in the department of urology between June 1994 and July 2004.
RESULTS: Hysterectomy was the leading cause of ureteric injuries contributing to nine (47.4%) of the 19 ureteric injuries. Caesarian sections were the second leading cause and contributed 6(31.6%) of 19 ureteric injuries. Vesical vaginal fistula (VVF) repairs lead to two (10.5%) ureteric injuries one of which was bilateral. There was a case each (5.3%) from ovarian cystectomy and forceps delivery. There were only three cases of intra-operative diagnosis of ureteric injuries. There were four bladder injuries half of which came from hysterectomy. The leading definitive urological treatment for ureteric injury was ureteric re implantation and all kidneys were saved.
CONCLUSION: Iatrogenic ureteric and bladder injuries from gynaecologic surgeries are globally rare but are liable to occur due to the inherent ureteric anatomic factors in the pelvis. Intra-operative diagnosis of injury is a rare feature. The practical principles to prevent and repair ureteric injuries have been presented and discussed. The true risk to the patient lies in delayed, missed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. Endourologic techniques offer an alternative diagnostic and treatment method for women previously injured in open pelvic surgeries.