Surgically Relevant Relationships of the Ureter in the Retropubic Space

Abstract

Distal ureteral injuries may occur during reconstructive or radical pelvic surgeries, but also during benign gynecologic and obstetric procedures. Pelvic surgeons can clearly visualize the course of the ureter from the pelvic brim until it crosses below the uterine artery. However, distal to this point the ureter is not visualized during benign gynecologic procedures. With ureteral reimplantation, understanding the anatomy of the ureter distal to the uterine artery may be beneficial for surgical planning.