Management of rectal injury and rectourinary fistula from radical prostatectomy

This study aimed to demonstrate our management of rectal injury (RI) and rectourinary fistula (RUF) from radical prostatectomy (RP) and identify a possible factor that increased the chance of developing RUF.

Between January 2011 and December 2019, a total of 14 cases of RI were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed, including preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative information.

In all 14 cases of RI, the average age at RP was 66.3 years (54-77). During the study period, 8 of 14 cases of RI occurred in our hospital, and the incidence of RI was 0.42%. RI was intraoperative recognition in 8 cases and delayed diagnosis in 6 cases. For immediate recognition, 4 of 8 cases were primarily repaired without developing RUF and did not require diverting colostomy and suprapubic cystostomy. RUF occurred in 10 cases including 4 cases of intraoperative recognition and all cases of delayed diagnosis. In a subgroup analysis of RI that occurred in our hospital, the timing for diagnosis was clinically and statistically significant difference (P = 0.029). Instantly detected RI during RP and intraoperative rectal repair resulted in no postoperative complication. Among all 10 cases of RUF, 5 cases were successfully repaired by modified York-Mason procedure with dartos tissue flap interposition. No major complications were reported.

Incidence of RI was 0.42% and intraoperative recognition of RI was a key to prevent the development of RUF. Modified York-Mason procedure with dartos tissue flap interposition was an effective treatment for RUF.