Management of Urologic Complications in Gynecologic Oncology Surgery

Gynecologic oncologic cases present a higher risk of urologic injury and dysfunction because of the nature and extent of the disease and the proximity of the urologic organs. It is important to preoperatively assess patients who are at increased risk of urologic injury/involvement and to maintain a high suspicion for intraoperative injuries. This chapter reviews the most common urologic injuries during gynecologic surgery and how they are recognized and repaired. The injuries described include ureteral and bladder injuries, postoperative fistula formation, and neurogenic bladder. It is important to recognize not only clinical presentation of such complications, but also the necessary surgical principles required and the need for urologic consultation.