Delayed urinary fistula from high velocity missile injury to the ureter.

Reports from the Vietnam War and from Northern Ireland describe the problem of delayed urinary fistula from a ureter seen to be 'intact' at previous laparotomy for high velocity missile injury to the abdomen. This is due to remote damage to the ureteric blood supply which is difficult to recognise or predict. A recent example of the problem from the Falklands Campaign is described. Prophylactic splintage at the initial exploration is suggested.