Anatomic relationships of the distal third of the pelvic ureter, trigone, and urethra in unembalmed female cadavers

The ureters may be injured during paravaginal defect repairs, anterior colporrhaphies, and other procedures involving dissection in the upper third of the vagina. Cystotomy during vaginal hysterectomies is most likely to occur 2-3 cm above the trigone.