York Mason procedure for repair of postoperative rectoprostatic urethral fistula

Rectoprostatic fistula is a rare complication after transurethral resection of the prostate or prostatectomy for benign and malignant neoplasms of the prostate. Repair of these fistulas is difficult, especially when previous treatment includes radiation therapy to the prostate. Various operative approaches have been described to close these inaccessible fistulas. Because of their location near the outlet of the pelvis, access to or exposure of these fistulas is quite limited. These fistulas can be easily exposed and repaired through the posterior wall of the rectum (transsphincteric approach). Three patients with rectoprostatic urethral fistulas were repaired successfully by using this method.