This document discusses the anatomy and surgical risks related to the ureter. It describes the course, blood supply, innervation and identification of the ureter. It also outlines the types of operative ureteral injuries that can occur during gynecologic surgery, including crushing, ligation, transection, angulation and ischemia. The most common sites of injury are near the pelvic brim during hysterectomy when attempting hemostasis. Laparoscopic injuries typically result from thermal damage to the ureter. Surgical procedures like hysterectomy, adnexectomy, incontinence surgery and radical trachelectomy carry risks of ureteral injury.