The value of intra-operative cystoscopy at the time of laparoscopic hysterectomy

The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of routine intra-operative cystoscopy in documenting ureteral injury during total laparoscopic hysterectomy with vault suspension and to document the incidence of this complication in a large series. The charts of 118 patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy with vault suspension from January 1992 to January 1998 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients underwent intra-operative cystoscopic evaluation to verify ureteral permeability and bladder integrity. Intra-operative ureteral obstruction occurred in four patients (3.4%). All complications were immediately fixed and there were no postoperative ureteral problems. No late ureteral complications were observed. Intra-operative cystoscopy allows for early recognition and treatment of obstructive ureteral injuries and may reduce the rate of late postoperative complications during advanced laparoscopic procedures.