Ureteral injury during left colectomy for cancer: Laparoscopic management. A case report

INTRODUCTION: Iatrogenic ureteral lesions may occur after any abdominal and pelvic surgery. They are severe and can affect renal function and even vital prognosis. This study aimed to determine the clinical aspects and the therapeutic approaches of a lower third injury of the ureter during a laparoscopic left colectomy. PRESENTATION OF CASE: An 81 year-old-man with left-sided colon cancer underwent laparoscopic left colectomy. During surgery there was a continuous full-thickness solution of the left ureter for which an end-to-end ureteral anastomosis was performed. In the postoperative period the patient underwent multiple urological and radiological interventional procedures due to the aforementioned injury. DISCUSSION: Ureteral injury was defined as any laceration, transection or ligation of the ureter that required an unexpected procedure for repair, stent or drainage. It can be managed with several procedures. An appropriate repair should be chosen according to length and position of ureteral injuries. The lower third of the ureter, as the lesion of our patient, has a profuse blood supply resulting in this way less susceptible to ischemia. CONCLUSION: In the last decade urological surgery, laparoscopy, ureteroscopic procedures and gynecological surgery are the main causes of iatrogenic ureteral lesions. Prognosis is conditioned by early diagnosis and the anatomic condition of the ureter. Laparoscopic end-to-end ureteral anastomosis could be considered a good option in the case of intraoperative iatrogenic lower ureteral injuries.