Ureteral injury presenting with hyponatremia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Ureteral injuries in gynecologic surgery, although rare, classically present with a well-described constitution of symptoms. Hyponatremia in association with ureteral injury has not been described.

CASE:

A 44-year-old multiparous woman presented with chronic pelvic pain and a persistent adnexal mass underwent exploratory laparotomy, lysis of adhesions, and left salpingo-oophorectomy. On postoperative day 5, she demonstrated classic signs and symptoms of ureteral obstruction. In addition, she developed hyponatremia with a serum sodium concentration of 124 mEq/L that immediately resolved after percutaneous drainage of the urinoma.

CONCLUSION:

Hyponatremia may develop with untreated and unrecognized ureteral injuries. Serum electrolytes may be helpful in the evaluation of suspected ureteral injury.

• Authors: E S Lukacz, C W Nager
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 98 Issue 5 Pt 2 Pg. 974-6 (Nov 2001) ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11704228 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Gynecologic Surgical Procedures
• Humans
• Hyponatremia (etiology)
• Intraoperative Complications
• Parity
• Postoperative Complications (etiology)
• Ureter (injuries)