Prophylactic ureteric catheters in colon surgery--how safe are they? Report of three cases.

Preoperative placement of ureteral catheters has been recommended for prevention of ureteral injuries. During a three-year period, prophylactic ureteral catheters were inserted selectively in 59 patients undergoing colorectal surgery in whom a difficult dissection was anticipated. Three patients developed reflux anuria after the use of prophylactic ureteral catheters. The safety of these catheters is questioned, and the diagnoses and methods of preventing ureteral injuries are discussed.