Uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) is a commonly performed procedure used to correct prolapse of the vaginal apex. The procedure consists of approximating the vaginal apex to the uterosacral ligaments with a series of sutures placed bilaterally, and is most often performed from a transvaginal approach. USLS is associated with favorable outcomes and is overall safe. However, given the anatomical proximity of the uterosacral ligaments to the ureters, ureteral injury during suspension suture placement may occur. Ureteral occlusion in this setting occurs as a result of partial or complete ligation, kinking or anatomical distortion by the nearby sutures. As a measure for avoiding these undesired sequelae, cystoscopy is usually performed after suspension suture placement during USLS to ensure visualization of bilateral ureteral flow. Any interruption of ureteral flow is usually addressed by removal of the suspension sutures, ureteral stenting, and, rarely, surgical repair of the ureter if severe injury is sustained. Ultrasound can identify the ureteral jet of urine flowing into the bladder. Previous studies demonstrated ureteral jet asymmetry in case of obstruction, with an absent or weaker monolateral jet.
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Detection of ureteral patency
Timeframe: through study completion, an average of 1 year