AB193. Rectourethral fistula

Objective: To investigate the treatment of rectourethral fistula.

Methods: Eleven cases of male patients with rectourethral fistula were treated in our department from 2011 to 2015. Age 16–66 years old. Causes: three cases of patients with congenital closed anus, four cases of traumatic pelvic fracture with urethral distraction and rectum injury, four cases after radical prostatectomy. The size of the fistula was 0.5–1.5 cm. In addition to the leakage of urine in the large fistula, urine mixed with stool samples. Three patients with congenital closed anal postoperative patients with posterior or anterior median sagittal approach for resection of the fistula, hierarchical closed urethral and rectal wall defect, at least three layer (between the urethral and rectal suture layer), indwelling catheter for 3–4 weeks, no cystostomy. Sigmoid colostomy underwent prior to the surgery. Of which six cases were repaired by perineal approach, one case by abdominal perineal approach, one case by abdominal repair. According to size of fistula and the surrounding scar decide whether or not to adopt tissue interposition, this group of five cases with gracilis muscle flap, one case with bulbocavernosus muscle flap interposed between the rectum and urethra; one case repaired by sigmoid colon pull-through procedure. Post-operation indwelling catheterization for 3–4 weeks with cystostomy.

Results: A total of 10 patients were successful, and no leakage of urine was found after removal of the catheter. One patient improved, occasionally a small amount of drops of urine voiding from anus. Reoperation was successful after 6 months. Recovered enteric continuity 3–6 months post-operation.

Conclusions: The median sagittal approach provide good exposure for the repair of congenital rectourethral fistula; perineal approach is a good choice for patients caused by trauma or surgery; complete resection of scar around the fistula, tension-free anastomosis, tissue interposition and sigmoid colostomy provide necessary guarantee for successful operation.

Keywords: Rectourethral fistula