Rectourinary fistula after radical prostatectomy: review of the literature for incidence, etiology, and management. Prostate Cancer. 2011;2011:629105. [PMID: 22110993 PMCID: PMC3216010 DOI: 10.1155/2011/629105]

Management of acquired prostatic fistulas in adults

PURPOSE

Acquired prostatic fistula (PF) was defined as a connection between the prostatic urethra and the rectum, symphysis, peritoneum, or ending freely in the periprostatic area. This study aims to report our experience with PF presentation, diagnosis, and treatment.

METHODS

From January 2014 to February 2024, we retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained database from two urologic university hospitals to identify men with acquired PF. Diagnosis was based on post-intervention symptoms, including pneumaturia, fecaluria, rectal urine leakage, periprostatic inflammation or abscess, completed by radiological assessment using retrograde urethrogram, CT, or MRI. Standard cystoscopy and/or rectosigmoidoscopy assessed bladder and rectal integrity. Patients with post-prostatectomy fistulas were excluded.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients with a mean age of 66.54 ± 7.40 years were identified. The most commonly presenting symptoms were fecaluria/pneumaturia 54%, rectal urine leakage 31%, and recurrent urinary tract infection 31%. The mean time from the initial treatment to fistula development was 22.28 ± 20.53 months (0.1-59 months), and from diagnosis to repair was 3.5 ± 3 months (1-12 months). Cumulative closure rates (success rate) post-first and second attempts were 77% (10 patients) and 92% (12 patients), respectively; one patient declined definitive surgery, maintaining a persistent fistula after bladder drainage.

CONCLUSION

Clinical suspicion and detailed diagnosis are essential for formulating a tailored treatment plan for prostatic fistulas, which are successfully manageable in many patients. Complex cases benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, with individualized therapy based on etiology, severity, and recurrence of PF, facilitating effective closure.

Incidence of Rectal Injury After Radical Prostatectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Context

Rectal injury (RI) is a dreaded complication after radical prostatectomy (RP), increasing the risk of early postoperative complications, such as bleeding and severe infection/sepsis, and late sequelae, such as a rectourethral fistula (RUF). Considering its traditionally low incidence, uncertainty remains as to predisposing risk factors and management.

Objective

To examine the incidence of RI after RP in contemporary series and to propose a pragmatic algorithm for its management.

Evidence acquisition

A systematic literature search was performed using the Medline and Scopus databases. Studies reporting data on RI incidence were selected. Subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the differential incidence by age, surgical approach, salvage RP after radiation therapy, and previous benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-related surgery.

Evidence synthesis

Eighty-eight, mostly retrospective noncomparative, studies were selected. The meta-analysis obtained a pooled RI incidence of 0.58% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46-0.73) in contemporary series with significant across-study heterogeneity (I2 = 100%, p < 0.00001). The highest RI incidence was found in patients undergoing open RP (1.25%; 95% CI 0.66-2.38) and laparoscopic RP (1.25%; 95% CI 0.75-2.08) followed by perineal RP (0.19%; 95% CI 0-276.95) and robotic RP (0.08%; 95% CI 0.02-0.31). Age ≥60 yr (0.56%; 95% CI 0.37-06) and salvage RP after radiation therapy (6.01%; 95% CI 3.99-9.05), but not previous BPH-related surgery (4.08%, 95% CI 0.92-18.20), were also associated with an increased RI incidence. Intraoperative versus postoperative RI detection was associated with a significantly decreased risk of severe postoperative complications (such as sepsis and bleeding) and subsequent formation of a RUF.

Conclusions

RI is a rare, but potentially devastating, complication following RP. RI incidence was higher in patients ≥60 yr of age, and in those who underwent open/laparoscopic approach or salvage RP after radiation therapy. Intraoperative RI detection and repair apparently constitute the single most critical step to significantly decrease the risk of major postoperative complications and subsequent RUF formation. Conversely, intraoperatively undetected RI can lead more often to severe infective complications and RUF, the management of which remains poorly standardised and requires complex procedures.

Patient summary

Accidental rectum tear is a rare, but potentially devastating, complication in men undergoing prostate removal for cancer. It occurs more often in patients aged 60 yr or older as well as in those who underwent prostate removal via an open/laparoscopic approach and/or prostate removal after radiation therapy for recurrent disease. Prompt identification and repair of this condition during the initial operation are the key to reduce further complications such as the formation of an abnormal opening between the rectum and the urinary tract.

Gracilis muscle flap combined with a laparoscopic transabdominal approach is effective in the treatment of post-prostatectomy rectourethral fistula: A case report

Introduction

Case presentation

Clinical discussion

Conclusion

•

The rectourethral fistula is a rare complication of total prostatectomy, but when it becomes intractable, it is difficult to treat. Surgical treatment is required, but there is no standard technique.

•

We used a laparoscopic approach in combination with gracilis muscle flap filling via a transperineal approach.

•

To our knowledge, this technique has only been reported in only one other case in the Japanese literature.

•

In a case of high rectourethral fistula, the gracilis muscle flap with a laparoscopic approach allowed for safe and secure flap filling.

Advance in research of treatment and prognosis of iatrogenic rectourethral fistula

Recturethral fistula (RUF) is a kind of serious complication that mainly happened during the treatment of prostate cancer. It has become one of the most difficult diseases to treat in urology because of its special anatomical location, complicated condition, and the varied prognosis. At present, the main treatment methods for RUF are conservative treatment such as application of antibiotics and indwelling catheters, etc. and surgical treatment such as transperineal approach, transsphincter approach, transanal approach, transabdominal approach, etc. However, there is no explicit treatment protocol for RUF. What's more, the etiology of RUF has changed greatly in recent years. Summarizing the advantages and disadvantages of different RUF's treatment methods and their prognosis will be helpful for the decision of clinical treatment.

Repair of a rectovesical fistula following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy with Martius fat pad flap interposition: a proposal of a new technique

Rectovesical fistula (RVF) is defined as an abnormal communication between the rectum and the urinary bladder, most commonly after an iatrogenic injury during pelvic surgery. Patients with RVF may have various clinical presentations, ranging from fecaluria, pneumaturia, to urine leakage through the anus. The quality of life for patients with this pathology is adversely affected owing to the associated psychological burden. Surgery is the preferred treatment given the low success rates reported for conservative or minimally invasive approaches. Herein, we present a case of a 65-year-old man with RVF after radical prostatectomy successfully treated by a transperineal approach using a modified Martius procedure.

When the bowel meets the bladder: Optimal management of colorectal pathology with urological involvement

Fistulae between the gastrointestinal and urinary systems are rare but becoming increasingly more common in current surgical practice. They are a heterogeneous group of pathological entities that are uncommon complications of both benign and malignant processes. As the incidence of complicated diverticular disease and colorectal malignancy increases, so too does the extent of fistulous connections between the gastrointestinal and urinary systems. These complex problems will be more common as a factor of an aging population with increased life expectancy. Diverticular disease is the most commonly encountered aetiology, accounting for up to 80% of cases, followed by colorectal malignancy in up to 20%. A high index of suspicion is required in order to make the diagnosis, with ever improving imaging techniques playing an important role in the diagnostic algorithm. Management strategies vary, with most surgeons now advocating for a single-stage approach to enterovesical fistulae, particularly in the elective setting. Concomitant bladder management techniques are also disputed. Traditionally, open techniques were the standard; however, increased experience and advances in surgical technology have contributed to refined and improved laparoscopic management. Unfortunately, due to the relative rarity of these entities, no randomised studies have been performed to ascertain the most appropriate management strategy. Rectourinary fistulae have dramatically increased in incidence with advances in the non-operative management of prostate cancer. With radiotherapy being a major contributing factor in the development of these complex fistulae, optimum surgical approach and exposure has changed accordingly to optimise their management. Conservative management in the form of diversion therapy is effective in temporising the situation and allowing for the diversion of faecal contents if there is associated soiling, macerated tissues or associated co-morbidities. One may plan for definitive surgical intervention at a later stage. Less contaminated cases with no fibrosis may proceed directly to definitive surgery if the appropriate expertise is available. An abdominal approach with direct repair and omentum interposition between the repaired tissues has been well described. In low lying fistulae, a transperineal approach with the patient in a prone-jack knife position provides optimum exposure and allows for the use of interposition muscle grafts. According to recent literature, it offers a high success rate in complex cases.

Repair of recto-urethral fistula with urethral augmentation by buccal mucosal graft and gracilis muscle flap interposition - our experience

Introduction

Recto-urethral fistula (RUF) is a relatively rare surgical condition, the treatment of which is quite challenging. There are many causes of RUF, but 60% of them are iatrogenic following open prostatectomies, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, urethral instrumentation etc. We present a series of six cases treated at our institution.

Material and methods

A retrospective study of all six patients with recto-urethral fistula treated at our centre between 2011 and 2016 was performed. The study included charting of information like age, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, treatment protocols, complications and recurrence. All the patients had simple direct fistulas with no previous history of repair. One patient had history of pelvic fracture following road traffic accident, one patient had a penetrating perineal injury following road traffic accident; two patients had history of Freyer's prostatectomy for benign prostatic hypertrophy; two patients had history of open radical prostatectomy performed at other centres. All patients were treated with an initial double diversion (suprapubic cystostomy and colostomy) followed by definitive surgical repair three months later. The surgical technique used was fistula excision, urethral augmentation by buccal mucosal graft, primary rectal defect repair and gracilis muscle flap interposition between the rectum and urethra.

Results

The patients were followed up ranging from after 6 to 48 months with a mean follow-up period of 27 months. There were minimal complications such as main wound site infections, seroma at the harvested site of gracilis muscle flap, urethral stricture. There was no report of recurrence.

Conclusions

From our experience, we conclude that this method of repair is a very efficient one without any recurrence and with minimal complications. The results were on par with all the other successful methods of recto-urethral fistula repair described in the literature.

Modified York Mason technique for repair of iatrogenic recto-urinary fistula: 20 years of the Montsouris experience

PURPOSE

Iatrogenic recto-urinary fistulas are a disastrous complication of therapeutic interventions on the prostate. Many surgical approaches have been described to repair recto-urinary fistulas and no consensus has been reached regarding the better approach. The objective of this study is to present the results of our updated 20-year experience in the surgical management of recto-urinary fistula using a modified York Mason procedure.

METHODS

We proceed to a retrospective single-institution review of surgically treated patients for iatrogenic recto-urinary fistulas between 1998 and 2017 by the modified York Mason technique. Descriptive analysis of our population was performed. Continuous and categorical variables were compared using Mann-Whitney and Fischer tests, respectively. All tests were two-sided with a significance level set at p value < 0.05.

RESULTS

We included 30 consecutive patients treated for iatrogenic recto-urinary fistula. The median follow-up was 76 months (2-195). The median size of the fistula was 5 mm (2-20). Successful healing of the recto-urinary fistula was observed in 80, 97, and 100% of patients after 1, 2, or 3 York Mason procedure. During the study period, no one single case of acquired urinary incontinence or durable fecal incontinence has been observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our modified York Mason technique is a reliable and effective procedure with a 100% success rate for the repair of small iatrogenic recto-urinary fistulas in non-irradiated patients. It has a very low morbidity rate, and no case of postoperative urine or fecal incontinence has been observed.

Use of biological mesh in trans-anal treatment for recurrent recto-urethral fistula

PURPOSE

To report the author's experience on a mini-invasive technique using bioprosthetic plug and a rectal wall flap advancement in the treatment of recurrent recto-urethral fistula.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2013 and 2015, seven patients with recurrent recto-urethral fistula were referred to the Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, Verona, Italy. Intraoperatively all patients were found to have a rectal wall lesion and were treated with urinary and fecal diversion. For the persistence of the fistula, all the patients underwent a mini-invasive treatment consisting on placement of a bioprosthetic plug in the fistula covered by an endorectal advancement flap through a trans-anal and trans-urethral combined technique.

RESULTS

Median operative time was 48 min with a median blood loss of 30 ml. Median hospital stay was 3 days (IQR 1-3). No case of fistula recurrence or plug migration was described. None of the patients experienced fecal or urinary incontinence. All patients obtained complete fistula healing.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent recto-urethral fistula is a challenging postsurgical complication for surgeons and urologists, and its best treatment is still unknown. Our method seems to be feasible and effective for the treatment of complex recto-urethral fistula.

Genital and reproductive organ complications of Crohn disease: technical considerations as it relates to perianal disease, imaging features, and implications on management

OBJECTIVE

A relatively large proportion of patients with Crohn disease (CD) develop complications including abscess formation, stricture, and penetrating disease. A subset of patients will have genital and reproductive organ involvement of CD, resulting in significant morbidity. These special circumstances create unique management challenges that must be tailored to the activity, location, and extent of disease. Familiarity with the epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging features, and treatment strategies for patients with genital CD can aid imaging diagnoses and guide appropriate patient management. The purpose of this study is to illustrate the spectrum of CD in the genital tract and reproductive organs and discuss the complex management strategies in these patients as it relates to imaging.

CONCLUSION

Given the impact on patient outcome and treatment planning, familiarity with the epidemiology, pathogenesis, imaging features, and treatment of patients with genital Crohn disease can aid radiologic diagnoses and guide appropriate patient management.

Repair of transperineal recto-urethral fistula using a fibrin sealant haemostatic patch

AIM

Recto-urethral fistula (RUF) is a rare complication of radical prostatectomy. We report a transperineal approach using a fibrin sealant haemostatic patch.

METHOD

Five consecutive patients who developed RUF following radical prostatectomy had a direct transperineal repair with a haemostatic patch (TachoSil®) and were assessed at a median follow-up of 35.5 (21-45) months.

RESULTS

There were no early postoperative complications. The average length of hospital stay was 5 (4-7) days. One patient developed recurrence 4 weeks after removal of the urethral catheter. Following healing in four patients the stoma was reversed at a median interval of 3 months, and 9.5 (7-10) months following the prostatic surgery. In the four patients with successful closure there was no case of recurrence or anorectal or urinary dysfunction at a median follow-up of 35.5 (21-45) months.

CONCLUSION

Direct transperineal repair of RUF reinforced with a fibrin haemostatic patch of TachoSil is safe and effective.

Minimally Invasive Transanal Repair of Rectourethral Fistulas

BACKGROUND

Rectourethral fistulas (RUFs) represent an uncommon complication of pelvic surgery, especially radical prostatectomy. To date there is no standardised treatment for managing RUFs. This represents a challenge for surgeons, mainly because of the potential recurrence risk.

OBJECTIVE

To describe our minimally invasive transanal repair (MITAR) of RUFs and to assess its safety and outcomes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We retrospectively evaluated 12 patients who underwent MITAR of RUF at our centre from October 2008 to December 2014. Exclusion criteria were a fistula diameter greater than 1.5cm, sepsis, and/or faecaluria.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

After fistula identification through cystoscopy and 5F-catheter positioning within the fistula, MITAR is performed using laparoscopic instruments introduced through Parks' anal retractor. The fibrotic margins of the fistula are carefully dissected by a lozenge incision of the rectal wall, parallel to the rectal axis. Under the healthy flap of the rectal wall the urothelium is located and the fistulous tract is sutured with interrupted stitches. After a leakage test of the bladder, the rectal wall is sutured with interrupted stitches. Electrocoagulation is never used during this procedure.

MEASUREMENTS

Fistula closure, postoperative complications, and recurrence.

RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS

Median follow-up was 21 (range, 12-74) mo. Median operative time was 58 (range, 50-70) min. Median hospital stay was 1.5 (range, 1-4) d. Early surgical complications occurred in one patient (8.3%). Recurrence did not occur in any of the cases. Limitations included retrospective analysis, small case load, and lack of experience with radiation-induced fustulas.

CONCLUSIONS

MITAR is a safe, effective, and reproducible procedure. Its advantages are low morbidity and quick recovery, and no need for a colostomy.

PATIENT SUMMARY

We studied the treatment of rectourethral fistulas. Our technique, transanally performed using laparoscopic instruments, was found to be safe, feasible, and effective, with limited risk of complications.

[ENDOSCOPIC SHIELDING OF RECTOURETHRAL FISTULA AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY; REPORT OF A CASE]

Rectourethral fistulais a relatively rare complication of radical prostatectomy but is extremely difficult to treat. We report a case with post-laparoscopic radical prostatectomy rectourethral fistula, treated with only endoscopic shielding.A 75-year-old man had undergone laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer, cT2cN0M0. Although there was no finding of rectal injury during the operation, pneumaturia, pyuria and diarrhea appeared at postoperative day 21 and diagnosed rectourethral fistula by colonoscopy and amidotrizoic acid enema. The fistula did not close spontaneously. Four months after the prostatectomy, we treated with endoscopic shielding by use of polyglycolic acid sheets and fibrin glue. The fistula have not recurred for 20 months after the endoscopic procedure.This method is simple and less-invasive for patients. We think it is worth trying this method before surgical management for narrow rectourethral fistula following radical prostatectomy.

Management of rectourinary fistula after urological interventions using biodesigned mesh: first experiences of an innovative technique

PURPOSE

Rectourinary fistula (RUF) is an uncommon but devastating condition that usually occurs as a complication of surgical treatment or radiotherapy of prostate cancer. Although operative fistula repair remains the most successful treatment, there still is no consensus concerning the management of RUF. We present first experiences and transanal surgical technique using biological mesh for fistula repair after urological intervention.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From January 2009 to December 2013, four cases of RUF were reported at our university hospital. Fistula occurred after extraperitoneal laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, open radical prostatectomy, and high-intensity focused ultrasound, respectively. All patients were initially treated with transanal Cook Biodesign™ mesh, whereas two patients received reoperation with rectal mucosa advancement flap and gracilis muscle flap interposition, respectively. Mean follow-up was 36 months (range 9-62).

RESULTS

Fistula diameters ranged from 0.6 to 3.0 cm and were located 5 to 6 cm of anocutaneous line. The time from diagnosis to fistula repair was 3 to 7 weeks. The median operative time for Cook Biodesing™ mesh procedure was 79 min (IQR 60, 98). The initial success rate for biological mesh was 50 % (2/4 patients). Larger fistulae were minimalized successfully and finally closed with reoperation mentioned above. No deterioration of continence was documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of rectourinary fistula is still challenging. Using biomaterials for fistula closure seems to be a promising and minimally invasive transanal technique in future. Further analysis including more patients is needed to clarify its exact role in comparison to traditional surgical techniques.

Robotic rectovesical fistula repair: a successful approach

OBJECTIVE

To describe our technique of robotic rectovesical fistula (RVF) repair through the report of a case unique for its pathogenesis. RVF is a rare but devastating complication of prostatic surgery and can nowadays be managed with a minimally invasive approach.

PATIENT AND METHODS

We describe in detail all the steps of our robotic RVF repair, performed on a 76-year-old man who developed RVF after radical prostatectomy. The RVF had been induced by tissue erosion due to Hem-o-lok(®) (Teleflex Medical, Research Triangle Park, NC) clips and had been unsuccessfully treated with an over-the-scope clip.

RESULTS

Our surgery was successful with an operative time of 70 minutes and an estimated blood loss of 150 mL. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on postoperative Day 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Our technique of robotic RVF repair was safe and effective. Care must be taken when considering new, endoscopic devices for the cure of RVF. A prospective study with a long follow-up is advised to validate our results.

York Mason procedure to repair iatrogenic rectourinary fistula: our experience

BACKGROUND

Rectourinary fistula (RUF) is an uncommon but devastating condition in men. It usually occurs as a complication of prostatic cancer treatment, whether this is by radiation therapy or surgery. It can also occur in patients with benign pathology of the prostate, inflammatory bowel disease, or Fournier's gangrene, and following pelvic trauma. RUF represents a challenge for the surgeon because spontaneous closure is a rare event. Several techniques have been described for surgical repair of fistula. The goal of the present study was to demonstrate that the York Mason posterior, transrectal correction of an iatrogenic RUF is a reliable approach that offers good postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 39 patients who underwent York Mason repair from 1998 to 2012 at the University of Southern California (USC) and Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome (UCBM). The most frequent common causes of RUF were itemized, and statistical analysis was performed to determine correlations between the fistula's etiology and surgical outcome. Patients were then divided into two different cohorts: those who had undergone only one previous procedure (group 1) and those who had undergone two or more surgeries (group 2). We performed a statistical analysis between the two groups and calculated the percentage of fistula repair by means of the posterior trans-sphincteric approach with the York Mason technique in each groups We evaluated the presence of comorbidities (diabetes and infection) and their influence on the surgical outcome. Finally, we reported patient outcomes during follow-up.

RESULTS

In the present series, the RUF was iatrogenic in every case. The onset of the fistula followed prostate cancer treatment, most commonly after laparoscopic procedures. The success rate of fistula repair was found to be independent of the fistula's etiology. Diabetes and infections did not influence the surgical outcome. Overall, more than 50 % of patients treated with the York Mason posterior, transanal, transrectal approach remained free of fistula during follow-up. Almost 90 % of those who were previously operated only once remained free of fistula.

CONCLUSIONS

The posterior trans-sphincteric approach of the York Mason technique is effective in treating RUF.

[Risk of rectal perforation during intention to treat laser photovaporization of prostate with transrectal ultrasound guidance: a report of 4 cases]

CONTEXT

Transrectal ultrasound guidance (TUG) during prostate endoscopic surgery can optimize the procedure by reducing the risk of capsular perforation and ascertain the treatment completeness. TUG is proposed during photoselective vaporisation of prostate (PVP).

OBJECTIVE

To report four cases of rectal perforations during PVP with TUG and assess their occurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective study including prostate endoscopic surgeries with TUG, performed in two centers between November 2011 and May 2013. Rectal perforations were identified. Surgical data, treatment modalities and postoperative outcomes of rectal perforations were analysed.

RESULTS

Four rectal perforations were identified among 450 surgical procedures. Median age and prostate volume were 80 years old [62-91] and 40mL [13-150], respectively. Two perforations occurred during PVP with Greenlight(®) XPS 180W. Two perforations occurred during transurethral resection of prostate or cervicoprostatic incision. Patients were treated by systematic urinary drainage associated with colostomy or direct suture. Two patients died from this complication and two patients have satisfying functional outcomes at one year.

CONCLUSION

TUG during prostate endoscopic surgery could lead to rectal perforation by protusion of the prostate and therefore should be used cautiously.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

5.

Transperineal repair of a persistent rectourethral fistula using a porcine dermal graft

•

We describe a case of a persistent rectourethral fistula repaired through a transperineal approach.

•

The fistula was excised, the rectum and the urethrovesical anastomosis were sutured.

•

A porcine dermal graft was interposed between the rectum and the urinary tract.

•

No fistula recurrence occurred at 1-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION

Rectourethral fistula (RUF) is a rare major complication after radical prostatectomy (RP). Management of patients with persistent RUFs after primary repair is controversial and technically challenging.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We describe the case of a patient with history of RUF secondary to rectal injury during laparoscopic RP and failed trans-abdominal repair. A further attempt to repair the persistent RUF was done through a perineal approach. The fistula was excised, the anterior rectal wall was closed in two layers and the defect at the level of the urethrovesical anastomosis (UVA) was repaired with an interrupted suture. A porcine dermal graft was interposed between the UVA and the rectum and was sutured to the rectal wall. There were neither clinical nor radiological evidences of fistula recurrence at one-year follow-up after transperineal surgical repair.

DISCUSSION

We used, for the first time, a porcine dermal collagen allograft as interposition tissue in a persistent RUF secondary to rectal injury during laparoscopic RP. The use of this allograft allows the potential advantage of less surgical invasivity if compared to gracilis muscle graft.

CONCLUSIONS

Transperineal repair of persistent RUFs with porcine dermal graft interposition is a safe and feasible surgical procedure.

Treatment of urethrorectal fistulas caused by radical prostatectomy - two surgical techniques

INTRODUCTION

The repair of complex urethrorectal fistulas, which can be the result of treating prostate cancer with radical prostatectomy, is a big problem in urology and its final result is not always satisfactory. There are no universally accepted methods for repairing such fistulas. In our work we present a retrospective analysis of patients treated for urethrorectal fistulas after previous radical prostatectomy. The methods used were the initial excision and suture of the fistula, or a gracilis muscle flap interposition.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the years 2000-2012, four patients were treated because of urethrorectal fistulas after radical prostatectomy. In two patients, open radical prostatectomy had been performed. Two other patients had been operated laparoscopically. Two patients had a primary fistula repair. They were operated using anterior perineal access. Two others were treated with the use of a gracilis muscle flap.

RESULTS

During the follow up, there was no recurrence of fistulas. Medium follow up for the first two patients was 120 and 156 months, and follow up of two other patients was 16 and 23 months. Until now, there were no final postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Repair of the fistulas requires an individual approach to each case. Excision and suturing of the fistula gives a very good final result, especially when the primary reconstruction is performed. Repair of urethrorectal fistula using a gracilis muscle flap appears to be an excellent option in cases of complex recurrent fistulas. It is also associated with low morbidity in patients and a high success rate.

Bilateral puborectalis interposition repair of rectourethral fistula

BACKGROUND

Rectourethral fistula is a rare but significant complication that often requires operative intervention.

OBJECTIVE

A new perineal approach using the medial aspect of the puborectalis muscles as a double-breasted rotational interposition flap to repair the rectourethral fistula is hereby described.

PROCEDURE

With the patient in a modified Lloyd-Davies position, a vertical midline incision from the base of the scrotum to 2 cm anterior to the anal verge is made. The dissection continues along the anterior rectal wall through the Denonvilliers fascia until the rectourethral fistula is reached. The dissection through the fused Denonvilliers fascia continues a further 1 to 2 cm above the fistula. The openings in the rectum and the urethra are then closed vertically (urethra) and horizontally (rectum) with interrupted 3/0 and 4/0 polyglactin sutures. The puborectalis muscles are then mobilized as a 1-cm strip bilaterally and released posteriorly at the level of the anorectum. The 2 strips of the puborectalis muscles are then rotated medially and superiorly along its anterior attachments, forming a double -breasted overlapping flap overlying the fistula openings. The flaps are anchored into the superior and contralateral aspect of the surgical field with the use of 2/0 polyglactin sutures.

RESULTS

From November 2011 to December 2012, 4 patients underwent this procedure. No perioperative complications, including those related to the harvesting of the puborectalis muscles, were identified. Subsequent radiological studies confirmed the success of the procedure. After a median follow-up of 8 (6-18) months, 3 patients had their colostomy reversed and remained continent, whereas the last patient had a permanent ileostomy. None of the patients reported any urinary leakage through the perineum.

CONCLUSIONS

The double-breasted puborectalis interposition flap is an alternative transperineal procedure in the management of rectourethral fistula. It avoids a laparotomy and is rectum sparing.

Acquired rectourethral fistulas in adults: a systematic review of surgical repair techniques and outcomes

BACKGROUND

Rectourethral fistulas are uncommon. Retrospective studies and case reports have highlighted various approaches for surgical repair. Because clinical presentations and technical expertise vary widely, no single procedure has been universally adopted.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to qualitatively analyze studies describing surgical techniques and outcomes in adult acquired rectourethral fistulas to outline universal approaches for evaluation and management.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE (PubMed, Ovid) and the Cochrane Library were searched by using the terms rectourethral fistulas, recto-urethral fistulas, urethrorectal fistulas, and prostatourethral-rectal fistulas.

STUDY SELECTION

All studies were retrospective, in English, and reported at least 4 cases. Any series with >50% congenital cases or <50% adults (19+ years) was excluded. Of the 569 records identified, 26 articles were included.

INTERVENTION

The intervention was surgical repair of rectourethral fistula.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome measures were successful fistula closure, fistula recurrence or persistence, and permanent fecal and/or urinary diversion.

RESULTS

Four hundred sixteen patients were identified, including 169 (40%) who had previous pelvic irradiation and/or ablation. Most patients (90%) underwent 1 of 4 categories of repair: transanal (5.9%), transabdominal (12.5%), transsphincteric (15.7%), and transperineal (65.9%). Tissue interposition flaps, predominantly gracilis muscle, were used in 72% of repairs. The fistula was successfully closed in 87.5%. Overall permanent fecal and/or urinary diversion rates were 10.6% and 8.3%. Most high-volume centers (≥25 patients) performed transperineal repairs with tissue flaps in 100% of cases.

LIMITATIONS

This review was limited by the heterogeneity of repairs and bias toward preferred surgical approaches in single-center studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of complexity, rectourethral fistulas have an initial closure rate approaching 90% when the transperineal approach is used. Permanent fecal and/or urinary diversion should be a last resort in patients with devastated, nonfunctional fecal and urinary systems.

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

Recto-urinary, recto-vaginal and ileo-anal pouch-associated fistulae are rare yet a significant clinical problem due to their profound impact on patients' quality of life and are a challenge to repair. In this report, we describe repair of these complex fistulae using a modified trans-sphincteric posterior sagittal approach with Surgisis™ mesh and fibrin sealant and review our repair outcomes.