Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Ureteral injuries are uncommon, and the necessity, accuracy, and optimal use of perioperative testing remains unknown. Delays in diagnosis have also been associated with significant morbidity, including loss of renal function. ⋯ Direct visualization of the injury is the best and most accurate diagnostic modality in ureteral trauma. These results reinforce that a thorough exploration of all retroperitoneal hematomas after penetrating trauma remain an integral part of the total abdominal exploration for trauma.