Immediate Urethral Reconstruction for Membranous Urethral Injury During Rectal Surgery: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Surgical Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Urethral injury is an underrecognized complication of rectal surgery.
• The incidence of urethral injury during rectal procedures necessitates greater awareness among urologists.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the occurrence of urethral injury during rectal surgery.
• To present a case of successful immediate urethral reconstruction following iatrogenic injury.
• To emphasize the importance of prompt surgical intervention for favorable outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A case presentation of a 57-year-old male patient undergoing laparoscopy-assisted abdominoperineal resection for advanced rectoanal cancer.
• Direct visualization and immediate watertight repair of a partial membranous urethral tear using standard urethral reconstruction principles.
• Postoperative assessment including retrograde urethrocystography to confirm successful repair and absence of complications.

Main Results:

• Successful immediate repair of a partial membranous urethral tear sustained during rectal dissection.
• Postoperative retrograde urethrocystography confirmed no extravasation or stricture formation.
• The patient achieved satisfactory voiding function following the procedure.

Conclusions:

• Immediate urethral reconstruction for injuries incurred during rectal surgery can yield positive postoperative results.
• Enhanced urological awareness is crucial, especially with evolving surgical techniques, to manage urethral injuries effectively.