ABSTRACT
Iatrogenic injury to the urinary tract during colorectal surgery can be a source of
significant morbidity. Although most cases of ureteral injury occur in patients without
significant risk factors, the incidence of urinary tract injuries increases in patients
with prior pelvic operations, inflammatory bowel disease, infection, and in patients
with extensive neoplasms causing distortion of normal surgical planes. The most commonly
injured locations are the ureter, bladder, and urethra. Mechanisms of injury include
ligation, transection, devascularization, and energy induced. Early identification
of urinary tract injuries is paramount in minimizing morbidity and preservation of
renal function. Anatomic considerations for preventing injuries, diagnostic techniques
for localizing and staging injuries, as well as reconstructive techniques and principles
of repair are discussed.
KEYWORDS
Iatrogenic injury - repair - ureter - bladder - urethra
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Scott E DelacroixJr. M.D.
Department of Urology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center
1542 Tulane Ave., 5th Fl., Rm. 547, New Orleans, LA 70112
Email: urologydoc@mac.com
