Surgical management of iatrogenic urethro-rectal fistula after radical prostatectomy

Introduction. Recto-uretral fistulas are a rare but devastating complication of pelvic surgery or radiation. Recto-uretral fistulas develop in 1% to 2% of patients receiving therapy for localised prostate cancer. Currently, there is no consensus in the literature regarding management.Method. The literature search was conducted on Medline® using the words: uretro-rectal fistula, prostate cancer, prostatectomy, radiotherapy. We extended our search of similar references by related articles function, reading the bibliography of identified articles and publications available on Medline® from the same authors. This research was limited to English or French publications. Articles were eligible if they were retrospective studies, systematic reviews of the literature, case reports or editorial comments.Results. We selected the most relevant series according to the preoperative evaluation and the surgical approaches. The most widely used technique for repair of the rectouretral fistula was the posterior transanosphincteric approach described by York- Mason. Different surgical procedures have been described in the literature including perineal approach with muscle flap interposition, transanal, transabdominal as well as combined techniques. The performance of routine colostomy or ileostomy was controversial even if preoperative diversion was realised in most of the series.Conclusions. Preoperative evaluation including examination with the patient under anesthesia, retrograde cysto-uretrography, cystoscopy and rectoscopy is a main step of uretrorectal fistulas management in order to classify the fistula. The York-Mason procedure remains nowadays the gold standard surgical approach in these rare and complex cases.