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.

Identification of an occult recto-prostatic fistula with cystoscopy-assisted air colostogram

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High anorectal malformations (ARM) are associated with rectourinary fistulae.

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Augmented-pressure colostogram is the gold standard in diagnosing recto-urinary fistulae in cases of ARM.

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Cystoscopic assisted air colostogram can be used as an adjunctive diagnostic to augmented-pressure colostogram.

Introduction

Anorectal malformations (ARM) in newborns classically present with the absence of a normal anus or an abnormally located anus. In a male infant with a high ARM, an initial diverting colostomy is later followed by a definitive posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP). Prior to definitive surgery an augmented-pressure colostogram is performed to identify the location of the fistula between the rectum and urogenital tract. However, on occasion, the augmented-pressure colostogram fails to identify the location of the fistula tract. We present a case of ARM where augmented-pressure colostogram failed to identify a fistula tract, thus requiring an alternative diagnostic approach.

Presentation of case

A newborn male presented with a high anorectal malformation and suspected rectourinary fistula on initial augmented-pressure colostogram. The patient ultimately underwent a laparoscopic assisted PSARP after cystoscopy with air colostogram identified the exact location of the fistulous connection in the prostatic urethra.

Discussion

Augmented-pressure colostogram remains the gold standard in diagnosing rectourinary fistulae in cases of ARM. However, a number of alternative and adjunctive techniques have been proposed in recent years. We provide a brief review of the literature in addition to a case presentation highlighting the potential benefits of pre-operative cystoscopy-assisted air colostogram in male patients with ARM.

Conclusion

Cystoscopy-assisted air colostogram via a distal mucous fistula can be utilized as an alternative diagnostic modality, especially when the augmented-pressure distal colostogram fails to identify rectourinary fistulae in high anorectal malformations.

Application of anchoring stitch prevents rectal prolapse in laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough

BACKGROUND

Rectal prolapse has been reported after laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough in children with anorectal malformation. We report our clinical outcome and study the application of an anchoring stitch to tack the rectum to the presacral fascia and the occurrence of rectal prolapse.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective review of all children who had undergone laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough for anorectal malformation from 2000 to 2015 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups (group I: with anchoring stitch, group II: without anchoring stitch). Outcome measures including rectal prolapse, soiling, voluntary bowel control, and constipation, and Kelly Score were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were thirty-four patients (group I, n=20; group II, n=14) undergoing laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough during the study period. The median follow up duration for group I and group II was 60months and 168months, respectively. All patients had stoma performed prior to the operation. Both groups consisted of patients with high type (30% vs 57%, p=0.12) and intermediate type (70% vs 43%, p=0.12) anorectal malformation. Seven (35%) patients in group I and 3 (21%) in group II had concomitant vertebral and spinal cord pathologies (p=0.408). The mean operative time was significantly shorter in group I (193±63min vs 242±49min, p=0.048). Rectal prolapse occurred less in group I, 4 (20%) vs 9 (64%) patients in group II and was statistically significant (p=0.008). Median time to development of rectal prolapse was 7months in group I and 5months in group II (p=0.767). Mucosectomy was performed in 15% of group I and 36% of group II (p=0.171). Soiling occurred less in group I (55% vs 79%, p=0.167). Voluntary bowel control (85% vs 93%, p=0.499) and constipation (55% vs 64%, p=0.601) were comparable in both groups. 75% in group I and 71% in group II achieved a Kelly score of 5 or above (p=0.823).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed application of anchoring stitch reduces rectal prolapse and soiling in laparoscopic assisted anorectal pullthrough. Treatment Study-Level III.

Transanal endoscopic surgery for complications of prior rectal surgery

BACKGROUND

Long-term complications of previous rectal surgery (e.g., enterovisceral fistula, anastomotic stricture, rectal stenosis) can be challenging problems for which transabdominal or transperineal surgery with or without definitive fecal diversion is often required. Transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) might allow for local treatment of these complications, thereby saving patients from otherwise major surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients undergoing TES in the IJsselland Hospital (NL) since 1996 were recorded in a prospective database, of which twenty patients were treated for complications after previous rectal surgery. Data on prior treatment, surgical techniques, outcomes, and need for additional surgery were collected.

RESULTS

Twenty patients were identified from the database (rectourinary fistula n = 3, rectovaginal fistula n = 5, anastomotic stricture n = 8, and rectal stenosis n = 4). One of the three (33 %) rectourinary fistulas and two of five (40 %) rectovaginal fistulas were successfully treated with TES. Anastomotic strictures were successfully treated in 5/8 (63 %) patients. Strictures after local excision of rectal tumors were successfully treated in 3/4 (75 %) patients. No minor complication and one major complication occurred (rectovaginal fistula after stenoplasty eventually requiring Hartmann's procedure).

CONCLUSIONS

Transanal treatment of anastomotic strictures, rectal stenosis, and fistula after prior rectal surgery is safe and effective in a large proportion of patients. TES should be considered as a first step in all patients presenting with these late complications after rectal surgery.

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.