Etiology and Ureteral Reconstruction Strategy for Iatrogenic Ureteral Injuries: A Retrospective Single-Center Experience

Abstract

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To analyze the etiology, characteristics, and ureteral reconstruction strategies of iatrogenic ureteric injuries in a high-volume center. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Between September 2010 and August 2019, we retrospectively collected patients who underwent ureteral reconstruction due to iatrogenic ureteric injuries. Patient profiles, laboratory data, imaging studies, perioperative data, and complications were recorded. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in this study. The upper, middle, and lower thirds of the ureter were affected in 30, 2, and 36 cases, respectively. Of the 68 ureteric injuries, 69.1% occurred during urological procedures, followed by gynecological procedures, general surgery, radiotherapy, and orthopedic surgery. The majority of urological injuries (41, 87.2%) occurred due to stone removal. There was a significant difference in the age, sex, and location of ureteric injuries between the urological and nonurological groups. The median follow-up time was 17.9 months. The overall symptom remission rate was 91.2% and ranged from 87.5 to 100% for different reconstructive surgeries. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Urological procedures were the most common cause of iatrogenic ureteric injury; thus, extra care should be taken. Timely detection and appropriate treatment of the ureteric injuries are necessary. Treatment strategies should be depended on the location and length of injury.