Ureteral Avulsion During Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: When the Unexpected Happens

J Endourol Case Rep. 2020 Sep 17;6(3):177-179. doi: 10.1089/cren.2020.0006. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

We report the case of a 49-year-old woman affected by bilateral urinary stones. Bilateral semirigid ureteroscopy was performed followed on the left side by a flexible ureteroscopy, caused by localization of the stone. Unfortunately, disinsertion of the left ureter occurred during the intervention. Open conversion was performed in the same single procedure for left ureteral reimplant. After an easy recovery, the patient was rehospitalized on day 9 postintervention for left pyelonephritis. This case report discusses the management of this rare but serious complication, including the necessity for quick thinking and decision making.

Keywords: flexible ureteroscopy; ureteral avulsion; ureteral instrumentation; ureteroscopy; urolithiasis.