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Zorluk: ZorUrologic Surgery

A 5555-year-old woman is evaluated on postoperative day 44 following an open low anterior resection for locally advanced rectal cancer. She reports new-onset, constant, right-sided flank pain and mild nausea that began yesterday. Her temperature is 38.1∘C38.1^\circ\text{C} (100.6∘F100.6^\circ\text{F}), blood pressure is 125/75 mmHg125/75\text{ mmHg}, and pulse is 92/min92/\text{min}. Physical examination reveals a clean midline abdominal incision with normal, active bowel sounds. There is distinct right costovertebral angle tenderness, but no rebound tenderness or guarding. A urethral Foley catheter was removed on postoperative day 22, and the patient has since been voiding spontaneously with an output of approximately 450 mL450\text{ mL} every 88 hours. Laboratory studies show a serum creatinine of 0.9 mg/dL0.9\text{ mg/dL} (baseline 0.8 mg/dL0.8\text{ mg/dL}) and a leukocyte count of 12,500/μL12,500/\mu\text{L}. Urinalysis shows 22-33 white blood cells/hpf and no bacteria. Which of the following is the most appropriate next step in management?

  1. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with delayed urographic imagingCevap
  2. B
    Administration of intravenous ceftriaxone and observation
  3. C
    Chest radiography and incentive spirometry
  4. D
    Immediate exploratory laparotomy
  5. E
    Placement of a urethral Foley catheter

Cevap

Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with delayed urographic imaging
The correct answer is computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis with delayed urographic imaging. This patient's presentation of unilateral flank pain, costovertebral angle tenderness, fever, and leukocytosis on postoperative day 4 following a low anterior resection is highly suspicious for an iatrogenic ureteral injury. The distal ureters are in close anatomical proximity to the rectum and uterine vessels, making them vulnerable during complex pelvic dissections. A critical teaching point is that unilateral ureteral injury typically presents with a normal serum creatinine and normal urine output because the uninjured contralateral kidney continues to function and excrete urine normally. Therefore, normal renal labs do not rule out this complication. To definitively diagnose a ureteral injury (such as ligation, thermal necrosis, or transection), imaging that outlines the urinary tract is required. CT urography (which includes a delayed excretory phase) is the diagnostic test of choice because it can accurately identify hydronephrosis, localize the exact level of the obstruction, and detect any extravasation of contrast indicating a urine leak.

Adım Adım Çözüm

1
Analyze the clinical presentation and timing.
The patient developed fever, leukocytosis, and right-sided flank pain on postoperative day 4 following major pelvic surgery (low anterior resection).
Identifying the timing and location of symptoms in the context of recent pelvic surgery raises high suspicion for an iatrogenic ureteral injury (e.g., ligation, kinking, or thermal injury).
2
Interpret the laboratory and urinary output data.
Serum creatinine is normal (0.9 mg/dL0.9\text{ mg/dL}) and spontaneous urine output is adequate (450 mL450\text{ mL} per shift).
Normal renal function and urine output occur in unilateral ureteral injury because the healthy contralateral kidney fully compensates, which often misleads clinicians into ruling out a urologic complication.
3
Select the most appropriate diagnostic modality.
Imaging with intravenous contrast that includes a delayed excretory phase is required.
A delayed urographic phase allows contrast to filter into the renal pelvis and ureters, conclusively demonstrating the presence of hydronephrosis, the exact level of ureteral obstruction, or any contrast extravasation from a transection.

Anahtar Kavram

Iatrogenic unilateral ureteral injury presents with flank pain and fever after pelvic surgery, often with normal serum creatinine and normal urine output due to contralateral compensation. Diagnosis requires CT urography.
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