Introduction: Iatrogenic trauma of the ureter can occur following pelvic, abdominal or retroperitoneal surgery and during laparoscopy or ureteroscopy.
Material and methods: From 1988 to 1998, 30 patients with 34 iatrogenic ureteric injuries were treated in our department.
Results: Patients were referred after a mean of 13 days. Endourological treatment was performed as first-line management in 76% of cases of ureteric trauma, with a 71% immediate success rate. In the case of failure, surgery was performed in 78% of cases, with an 83% success rate. Seven patients required nephrectomy and one patient died.
Conclusion: First-line endourological treatment gives good results. An early diagnosis remains an essential prerequisite to avoid serious complications.