The value of intravenous urography prior to abdominal hysterectomy for gynecologic disease.
Negligence and failure to "test timely" are the two most common charges in obstetric and gynecologic malpractice suits. Both charges are often made in cases involving urinary tract injury during gynecologic surgery. These injuries occur most commonly during abdominal hysterectomy. This report is a 6 year study of 170 consecutive abdominal hysterectomies to ascertain the value of routine preoperative urography in preventing urinary tract injuries. As a control, 260 consecutive abdominal hysterectomies were performed without preoperative urography. There was one ureteral transection in the control group, but unrecognized urinary tract injuries did not occur in either the study or control group. The risks, costs, and benefits of urography are analyzed.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005831:Genital Diseases, Female / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000191:economics; D008318:Malpractice; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012306:Risk; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D014551:Urinary Tract / Q000293:injuries; D014567:Urography / Q000191:economics