A fistula may develop between the ureter and the skin surface.
Risk factors:
(1) surgery (usually abdominal or pelvic but may include hip replacement)
(2) xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis
(3) nephrolithiasis
(4) penetrating trauma
The patient develops a cutaneous opening on the lower back, flank or abdomen that drains urine. This may be a little or a lot.
The presence of urine can be confirmed by measuring the fluid's creatinine which should be much higher than that seen in the serum.
Imaging studies may:
(1) demonstrate the connection using a contrast material (excretory urography, etc)
(2) show pneumonephrosis
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Specialty: Nephrology, Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,
