Abstract
Rectourinary fistula is an uncommon entity with many causes for which the optimal management remains unclear. To clarify this, a 30-year experience with acquired rectourinary fistula at the Mayo Clinic was reviewed. In the management of 57 patients, 34 patients underwent repair of rectourinary fistula, the success rate being 88 per cent and the morbidity 29 per cent. Based on this experience, a simple plan of management emphasizing etiologic and prognostic factors is presented. Repair of rectourinary fistulas can be undertaken with a high degree of success and acceptable morbidity for patients with fistulas of benign cause and for those with fistulas of malignant cause who have no gross evidence of malignancy, minimal induration from irradiation, and anticipated long-term survival. Colostomy as an adjunctive procedure is usually unnecessary in the repair of fistulas associated with benign conditions.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Tang N. A new surgical approach to traumatic rectourethral fistulas. J Urol 1978;119:693–5.
Thomas GG, Molenaar JC. The management of a fistula between the rectum and the lower urinary tract. J Pediatr Surg 1979;14:65–73.
Kilpatrick FR, York Mason A. Post-operative recto-prostatic fistula. Br J Urol 1969;41:649–54.
Lewis LG. Repair of recto-urethral fistulas. J Urol 1947;57:1173–81.
Culp OS, Calhoon HW. A variety of rectourethral fistulas: experiences with 20 cases. J Urol 1964;91:560–71.
Dahl DS, Howard PM, Middleton RG. The surgical management of rectourinary fistulas resulting from a prostatic operation; a report of 5 cases. J Urol 1974;111:514–7.
Goodwin WE, Turner RD, Winter CC. Rectourinary fistula: principles of management and a technique of surgical closure. J Urol 1958;80:246–54.
Miller W A successful repair of a recto-urethral fistula: a case report. Br J Surg 1977;64:869–71.
Weyrauch HM. A critical study of surgical principles used in repair of urethrorectal fistula: presentation of a modern technique. Stanford Med Bull 1951;9:2–12.
Ryan JA Jr, Beebe HG, Gibbons RP. Gracilis muscle flap for closure of rectourethral fistula. J Urol 1979;122:124–5.
Morgan C Jr. Dorsal rectotomy and full thickness skin graft for repair of prostatic urethrorectal fistula. J Urol 1975;113:207–9.
Beneventi FA, Cassebaum WH. Rectal flap repair of prostatorectal fistula. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1971;133:489–92.
Kyle J. Urinary complications of Crohn’s disease. World J Surg 1980;4:153–9.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Thompson, J.S., Engen, D.E., Beart, R.W. et al. The management of acquired rectourinary fistula. Dis Colon Rectum 25, 689–692 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02629542
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02629542