Commonest cause of ureteric injury during surgical operation is:
**Core Concept**
Ureteric injury during surgical operations is a significant complication that can lead to long-term morbidity. The ureters are susceptible to damage due to their anatomical location and relatively thin walls, making them vulnerable to surgical trauma.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The commonest cause of ureteric injury during surgical operations is **blunt trauma**. This type of trauma is often encountered during gynecologic and abdominal surgeries, where the ureters are at risk of being stretched or compressed, leading to lacerations or avulsions. The mechanism of injury involves the application of excessive force to the ureters, which can cause the muscular wall to tear, resulting in leakage of urine into the surrounding tissues.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because **lateral pelvic wall hematoma** is a potential complication of ureteric injury, but it is not the commonest cause of ureteric injury during surgical operations.
**Option B:** **Ureteral stones** are a common cause of ureteric obstruction, but they are not typically associated with surgical trauma.
**Option C:** **Radiation-induced fibrosis** can lead to ureteric stricture and obstruction, but it is not a common cause of ureteric injury during surgical operations.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
To minimize the risk of ureteric injury during surgical operations, it is essential to identify the ureters preoperatively using imaging studies and to take steps to protect them during the procedure, such as placing ureteric stents or using ureteric clips.
**Correct Answer: A. Blunt trauma.**