The trans-sphincteric posterior sagittal repair of recto-urinary and recto-vaginal fistulae using Surgisis™ mesh and fibrin sealant

European Society of Coloproctology guidance on the use of mesh in the pelvis in colorectal surgery

This is a comprehensive and rigorous review of currently available data on the use of mesh in the pelvis in colorectal surgery. This guideline outlines the limitations of available data and the challenges of interpretation, followed by best possible recommendations.

Rectourethral Fistula Management

Rectourethral fistula (RUF) is a rare condition that occurs, in most cases, as a consequence of prostate cancer treatments. Clinical suspicion and proper assessment prior to surgery are essential to adapt and successfully carry out an appropriate treatment plan. There are no randomized trials to guide clinical practice, and therefore, scientific evidence in this respect is limited. Expert recommendations seem to agree on the transperineal approach with flap interposition as the surgical treatment of choice in cases of complex fistulas, especially in those that have undergone prior radiation. Undoubtedly, the key to the successful treatment of the disease is the multidisciplinary and standardized management by physicians with experience in the field.

Management of Complex Perineal Fistula Disease

Management of complex perineal fistulas such as high perianal, rectovaginal, pouch-vaginal, rectourethral, or pouch-urethral fistulas requires a systematic approach. The first step is to control any sepsis with drainage of abscess and/or seton placement. Patients with large, recurrent, irradiated fistulas benefit from stoma diversion. In patients with Crohn's disease, it is essential to induce remission prior to any repair. There are different approaches to repair complex fistulas, from local repairs to transperineal and transabdominal approaches. Simpler fistulas are amenable to local repair. More complex fistulas, such as those secondary to irradiation, require interposition of healthy, well-vascularized tissue. The most common flap used for this treatment is the gracilis muscle with good outcomes reported. Once healing is confirmed by imaging and endoscopy, the stoma is reversed.

Algorithm-based multidisciplinary treatment approach for rectourethral fistula

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to report the outcomes of an algorithm-based multidisciplinary treatment approach to rectourethral fistula.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective review of a prospectively collected database at a tertiary center of all consecutive patients treated between 2003 and 2013.

RESULTS

Thirty males (mean age 63 years) were reviewed. Prostate cancer treatment was the most common fistula etiology (97%). Urinary drainage consisted of urethral catheter in all patients and suprapubic catheter in 14 (47%). The rate of fecal diversion was 67%. During a mean follow-up of 72 months, healing rate was 90% and recurrence rate 0%. Spontaneous healing was achieved in 14 patients (47%): 8 (27%) without fecal diversion and 6 (20%) following fecal diversion. Thirteen patients (43%) required definitive intervention. The majority of operated patients underwent transanal or transperineal flap (endorectal, dartos, or gracilis) successfully. Only 2 patients (7%) required an abdominal approach (positive oncologic margins or non-functioning bladder). Fifteen out of the 20 patients (75%) who underwent fecal diversion had stoma closure with an overall permanent stoma rate of 17%. Long-term urinary incontinence was noted in 11 patients (37%). Six patients (20%) required permanent urinary diversion or drainage catheters.

CONCLUSIONS

Algorithm-based treatment approach for rectourethral fistula is useful in the management of this rare condition. Selective fecal diversion is possible, and majority of patients who require definitive intervention can be treated with a transanal or transperineal approach. The rate of permanent stoma is low, but long-term urinary dysfunction is frequent.

Fibrin Sealant: The Only Approved Hemostat, Sealant, and Adhesive-a Laboratory and Clinical Perspective

Background. Fibrin sealant became the first modern era material approved as a hemostat in the United States in 1998. It is the only agent presently approved as a hemostat, sealant, and adhesive by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The product is now supplied as patches in addition to the original liquid formulations. Both laboratory and clinical uses of fibrin sealant continue to grow. The new literature on this material also continues to proliferate rapidly (approximately 200 papers/year). Methods. An overview of current fibrin sealant products and their approved uses and a comprehensive PubMed based review of the recent literature (February 2012, through March 2013) on the laboratory and clinical use of fibrin sealant are provided. Product information is organized into sections based on a classification system for commercially available materials. Publications are presented in sections based on both laboratory research and clinical topics are listed in order of decreasing frequency. Results. Fibrin sealant remains useful hemostat, sealant, and adhesive. New formulations and applications continue to be developed. Conclusions. This agent remains clinically important with the recent introduction of new commercially available products. Fibrin sealant has multiple new uses that should result in further improvements in patient care.