Iatrogenic Injury
Definition:
An iatrogenic injury is any unintended harm or damage caused to a patient as a direct result of medical treatment or intervention. The term “iatrogenic” literally means “caused by the healer.”
🔍 Common Causes of Iatrogenic Injury
- Surgical procedures (e.g., accidental damage to organs, vessels, or nerves)
- Diagnostic procedures (e.g., biopsy complications, catheter insertion injuries)
- Medications (e.g., adverse drug reactions, overdoses)
- Radiation therapy
- Medical devices (e.g., incorrect placement of tubes or stents)
- Anesthesia complications
⚠️ Examples of Iatrogenic Injury in Urology
- Ureteral injury during pelvic or abdominal surgery (e.g., hysterectomy, colorectal surgery)
- Bladder perforation during catheterization or transurethral procedures
- Urethral trauma from catheter insertion
- Injury to the rectum or bowel during urological surgery
- Nerve injury causing urinary or sexual dysfunction
🩺 Recognition & Diagnosis
- Clinical signs: pain, bleeding, leakage of urine, infection, organ dysfunction
- Imaging: CT scan, ultrasound, cystography, or retrograde pyelography to locate injury
- Endoscopy: direct visualization of urethra, bladder, or ureters
🛠️ Management
- Immediate repair if injury is identified intraoperatively
- Conservative management in minor injuries (catheter drainage, antibiotics)
- Surgical reconstruction for severe injuries
- Monitoring for complications: infection, fistula formation, strictures
🛡️ Prevention
- Careful surgical technique
- Proper training and experience
- Use of intraoperative imaging or stents when needed
- Awareness of anatomy and risk factors