Une Liaison Dangereuse: Spontaneous Pyeloduodenal Fistula.

We describe the case of a 76-year-old woman with a spontaneous nephroduodenal fistula. The patient was initially evaluated for gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms associated with fever and anemia, after which she was admitted with the diagnosis of right chronic pyelonephritis, hydronephrosis, and renal lithiasis. The fistula was diagnosed incidentally by percutaneous pyelography during a right nephrostomy and was later confirmed with an abdominal CT scan. A multidisciplinary decision was made to surgically treat the fistula (right nephrectomy plus duodenal repair); the surgery had a short-term positive outcome. We report a systematic review of the literature related to spontaneous pyeloduodenal fistulæ and their treatments.

Surgical Management and Outcome of Entero-Urinary Fistula Complicating Crohn's Disease: A Single Center Study.

BACKGROUND: Entero-urinary fistulas (EUF) are a rare complication of Crohn's disease (CD), observed in 1.6 to 7.7%. The management of EUF complicating CD is challenging. We aimed to report the outcome and surgical management of EUF in CD. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed in all CD patients with EUF who underwent surgery in our center between January 2012 and December 2021. Patient demographics, preoperative optimization, surgical management, postoperative complications, and follow-up information were collected from a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS: A total of 74 eligible patients were identified. The median interval between CD diagnosis and EUF diagnosis was 2 (0.08-6.29) years. Patients with EUF presented with pneumaturia (75.68%), urinary tract infections (72.97%), fecaluria (66.22%), and hematuria (6.76%). Fistulae originated most commonly from the ileum (63.51%), followed by the colon (14.86%), the rectum (9.46%), the cecum (2.70%), and multiple sites (9.46%). The EUF symptoms, weight, nutritional status, laboratory results were significantly improved after preoperative optimization. The absence of EUF symptoms was observed in 42 patients after the optimization and only 9 of which required bladder repair. However, 19 of 32 patients whose symptoms did not resolve required bladder repair (P = 0.001). Only 1 patient developed a bladder leakage in the early postoperative period and 3 patients experienced recurrent bladder fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management of EUF complicating CD is effective and safe, with a low rate of postoperative complication and EUF recurrence. Preoperative optimization, which is associated with the resolution of urinary symptoms and improved surgical outcomes, should be recommended.

Anatomical and functional outcomes of non-obstetric urogenital fistula repair.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Studies on non-obstetric urogenital fistulas (NOUGFs) provide limited information on predictive outcome factors. This study was aimed at specifying and analyzing the risk factors for long-term anatomical and functional results. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of surgical repair for non-obstetric urogenital fistula was performed. From 2012 to 2020, a total of 479 patients with urogenital fistulas were treated in two tertiary centers. Patients with isolated ureteral fistulas and rectal injuries were excluded. For evaluation of the long-term results, patients with vesicovaginal and urethrovaginal fistulas with at least 12 months of follow-up were identified and contacted by phone and/or examined in the clinic. The anatomical outcome was assessed by resolution of symptoms and/or clinical examination. The Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6) was used for the functional outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, 425 patients were studied (mean age was 49.8; BMI 27.5; mean fistula size 1.4 cm, mean follow-up was 12 months). Vesicovaginal fistula affected 73% of patients. Hysterectomy without radiation was the most common etiology (66.3%), followed by hysterectomy with subsequent radiation (16%) and pelvic radiotherapy (12.2%). The transvaginal approach was used in 54.4%, abdominal in 12.4%, transvesical in 22.4%, and a combined approach in 10.8%. The successful closure rate was 92.9% for primary cases, 71.6% for secondary cases, and 66.7% for radiation fistulas. A high risk for relapse was found for NOUGFs with ureteral involvement (RR 2.5; 95% CI 1.3-4.5; p = 0.003), radiation fistulas (RR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3-3.5, p = 0.003); and combined radiation and hysterectomy cases (RR 2.9; 95% CI 1.8-4.6; p = 0.0001). In multifactorial analysis, fistula size >3.0 cm, pelvic radiation, and previous vaginal surgeries were associated with a higher risk for failure or lower urinary symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Factors for successful NOUGF closure are fistula size less than 3.0 cm, absence of pelvic radiation, and previous vaginal surgeries.

Ureteral Arterial Fistula - A Role for Open Operation in the 21st Century.

BACKGROUND: Ureteral arterial fistula is a rare and challenging clinical entity. The diagnosis and management of ureteral arterial fistula present a unique disease process that requires a dual specialty approach, involving both vascular and urologic surgeons. There are different options for repair, including both open and endovascular techniques. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 78-year-old male presented to the emergency department (ED) in septic shock secondary to a urinary tract infection and was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for further management and resuscitation. The patient had previously undergone radical cystoprostatectomy with ileal conduit creation in 2011 for recurrent bladder cancer. Following creation of his ileal conduit, he required long-term indwelling ureteral stents bilaterally due to recurrent stricturing at the ureteroneocystostomy with stent exchanges performed 2-3 times per year due to frequent urinary tract infections. During his hospitalization for sepsis, the urology service performed an exchange of his left indwelling ureteral stent. However, pulsatile bleeding was observed from the junction of the ileal conduit and left ureter. The stent was replaced at the bedside, and the bleeding ceased. Vascular surgery consultation and a computed tomography angiogram (CTA) gave support to the diagnosis of a ureteral arterial fistula. A plan was developed to exchange the stent in the operating room with vascular surgery assistance. It was determined that a definitive open repair with excision of the fistula would be the most appropriate course. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of hemodynamically significant bleeding, we recommend an endovascular approach to obtain hemostasis. However, an open approach provides both reconstruction and infectious resistance in an already soiled field. Open repair may provide a more definitive reconstruction.

Renocolic fistula: A rare complication of obstructive uropathy.

Renocolic fistulas are abnormal connections between the upper urinary tract and the colon. Chronic renal obstruction and delayed treatment of obstructive renal stones can lead to loss of renal function, inflammation of the kidney and surrounding structures, and the development of fistulas. However, due to the increased availability of CT scans and cystoscopy for diagnosis and treatment, renocolic fistulas resulting from obstructing renal stones have become rare. This article describes a patient who was found to have a renocolic fistula on antegrade percutaneous nephrostogram. The patient was treated with a laparoscopic nephrectomy and minimally invasive colon repair and recovered.

[Diagnosis and treatment of six patients with Crohn's disease complicated by recto-perineal-urethral fistula].

Recto-perineal-urethral fistula caused by Crohn's disease is a rare, for which fundamental treatment has not been established yet. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of six male patients with anorectal lesions caused by Crohn's disease. Three patients were treated with abdominoperineal resection and the other three with rectal excision without anastomosis. Excluding one case, which presented worsening immediately after surgery, symptoms of urethral fistula improved without urethral stenosis, dysuria, or sexual dysfunction. Recto-perineal-urethral fistula is currently treated with various treatment modalities, including colostomy and drug therapy. Although the evaluation of these modalities is required, abdominoperineal resection or rectal excision without anastomosis may be a valuable treatment option because these approaches improve the urethral fistula while sparing the urethra without any significant complications.

Experience with 32 Pelvic Fracture Urethral Defects Associated with Urethrorectal Fistulas: Transperineal Urethroplasty with Gracilis Muscle Interposition.

PURPOSE: Pelvic fracture urethral defects associated with urethrorectal fistulas are rare and difficult to repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transperineal urethroplasty with gracilis muscle interposition for the repair of pelvic fracture urethral defects associated with urethrorectal fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 32 patients who underwent transperineal urethroplasty with gracilis muscle interposition to repair pelvic fracture urethral defects associated with urethrorectal fistulas. Patient demographics as well as preoperative, operative and postoperative data were obtained. RESULTS: Mean followup was 33 months (range 6 to 64). The overall success rate was 91% (29 of 32 cases). One-stage repair was successful in 17 of 18 patients (94%) using perineal anastomosis with separation of the corporeal body and in 12 of 14 (86%) using perineal anastomosis with inferior pubectomy and separation of the corporeal body. All 22 patients (100%) without a previous history of repair were successfully treated. However, only 7 of 10 patients (70%) with a previous history of failed urethroplasty and urethrorectal fistula repair were cured. Recurrent urethral strictures developed in 2 cases. One patient was treated successfully with optical internal urethrotomy and the other was treated successfully with tubed perineoscrotal flap urethroplasty. Recurrent urethrorectal fistulas associated with urethral strictures developed in an additional patient. CONCLUSIONS: Transperineal urethroplasty with gracilis muscle interposition is a safe and effective surgical procedure for most pelvic fracture urethral defects associated with urethrorectal fistulas. Several other factors may affect its postoperative efficiency.

Urethrovaginal fistula closure.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: In the developed world, urethrovaginal fistulas are most the likely the result of iatrogenic injury. These fistulas are quite rare. Proper surgical repair requires careful dissection and tension-free closure. The objective of this video is to demonstrate the identification and surgical correction of an urethrovaginal fistula. METHODS: The case presented is of a 59-year-old woman with a history of pelvic organ prolapse and symptomatic stress urinary incontinence who underwent vaginal hysterectomy, anterior colporrhaphy, posterior colporrhaphy, and synthetic sling placement. Postoperatively, she developed a mesh extrusion and underwent sling excision. After removal of her synthetic sling, she began to experience continuous urinary incontinence. Physical examination and cystourethroscopy demonstrated an urethrovaginal fistula at the midurethra. Options were discussed and the patient wished to undergo transvaginal fistula repair. RESULTS: The urethrovaginal fistula was intubated with a Foley catheter. The fistula tract was isolated and removed. The urethra was then closed with multiple tension-free layers. This video demonstrates several techniques for identifying and subsequently repairing an urethrovaginal fistula. Additionally, it demonstrates the importance of tension-free closure. CONCLUSIONS: Urethrovaginal fistulas are rare. They should be repaired with careful dissection and tension-free closure.

Circumferential urethral fistulae in Sub-Saharan Africa, current outcomes and future prospects.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Circumferential urethral fistula is a severe form of obstetric injury that is recognized to carry a poor prognosis for eventual continence but this has not been quantified before. METHODS: An analysis of 106 women who had undergone primary repair of a circumferential fistula was carried out with particular reference to whether there complete continence or at least some improvement in remaining dry was reported. RESULTS: Of the 106 women, only 25% reported themselves continent; 19% said there was an improvement. Prognosis was not altered by the distance of the fistula from the external urethral meatus, with 10/62 (16% reporting continence if the fistula was <1.5 cm and 10/44 (13%) if >1.5 cm. There was a 13% primary dehiscence rate. CONCLUSIONS: Current methods of primary urethral fiistula repair carry a poor prognosis for eventual continence. Techniques to lengthen the urethra and provide greater support need to be developed for this unfortunate group of women.

Iliac Artery-Uretero-Colonic Fistula Presenting as Severe Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage and Hematuria: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Arterioenteric fistulas represent an infrequent but potentially fatal cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Patients often present in extremis from shock and sepsis. This mandates a rapid diagnosis so that prompt, potentially life-saving interventions can be performed. We report the case of a 35-year-old man who presented with hematuria and hematochezia secondary to an iliac artery-uretero-colonic fistula that developed years after open common iliac artery aneurysm repair. His condition rapidly progressed to hemorrhagic shock, and he underwent successful endovascular treatment with a covered stent graft as a bridge to definitive open surgery. Subsequently, graft explantation, extra-anatomic arterial bypass, bowel resection, and ureter ligation was undertaken. A summary of the literature on iliac artery-enteric fistulas follows.

Ureterovaginal fistula after insertion of a McDonald suture: Case report and review of published reports.

Complications associated with cerclage that are commonly described in the existing published reports include injuries to the cervix or bladder, premature rupture of membranes, chorioamnionitis and bleeding. We report an unusual complication of a ureterovaginal fistula formation after the insertion of a McDonald suture.

Pyeloduodenal fistula successfully treated by endoscopic ligation without surgical nephrectomy: case report.

A 74-yr-old woman presented with fever and abdominal discomfort. She was in a septic condition caused by urinary tract infection. Her computed tomogram of the abdomen revealed features of hydronephrosis with ureteral stones in both kidneys. During percutaneous nephrostomies, right pyeloduodenal fistula (PDF) was diagnosed. Elective surgery was originally planned but the patient was in a poor condition to undergo surgery. Instead, 2 times endoscopic clipping and ligation by endoloop were applied with parenteral antibiotics for the fistula lesion. On admission day 30, she was discharged from the hospital after confirmation of no more contrast leakage on fistulography. We reviewed the literature and discuss the etiologies, clinical presentations, diagnosis, and treatment of PDF.

Posterior Urethral Reconstruction at the Time of Rectourethral Fistula Repair: Technique and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of posterior urethral stenosis or defect on outcomes following rectourethral fistula (RUF) repair, we present a cohort of 23 men who underwent posterior urethroplasty concurrent with RUF repair. METHODS: We identified 130 men who underwent RUF repair at our institution between 2003 and 2021. Of these, 23 (18%) underwent simultaneous posterior urethroplasty. Fifteen men received prior radiation for prostate cancer. Of the 8 men who were not radiated, 4 had a history of radical prostatectomy, 2 pelvic trauma, and 3 inflammatory bowel disease. All 23 men underwent fecal diversion prior to surgery (median, 6 months preoperatively), and 20 men suprapubic catheter placement (median, 5.5 months preoperatively). RESULTS: RUF repair was performed via perineal approach in 22 cases (96%) and prone Kraske position in 1 (4%). Intraoperatively, 20 men (87%) had urethral stenosis, and 3 (13%) had significant urethral defects due to cavitation and tissue loss. There was stenosis/stricture involving the prostatomembranous urethra in 18 cases (78%) and vesicourethral anastomosis in 5 (22%). Urethroplasty was performed with anastomotic repair in 18 patients (78%) and using a buccal mucosal graft in 5 (22%). Gracilis flap interposition was performed in 21 cases (91%). At a median follow-up of 55.7 months (interquartile range (IQR), 23-82 months), 20 men (87%) had successful RUF closure, with 3 patients experiencing RUF recurrence requiring further surgery. Fourteen men (61%) reported postoperative urinary incontinence, with 7 (30%) ultimately undergoing artificial urinary sphincter placement. There were no isolated stricture recurrences requiring instrumentation. CONCLUSION: Posterior urethral stenosis associated with RUF complicates an already challenging problem. However, most of these patients can be successfully treated concurrent with RUF repair. This series demonstrates that patients with RUF should not be ruled out for restorative reconstructive surgery based on the presence of posterior urethral stenosis or defect.

A rationale for procedure selection to repair female urethral stricture associated with urethrovaginal fistulas.

PURPOSE: We investigated a rationale for procedure selection to repair female urethral stricture associated with urethrovaginal fistula. We compared the outcomes of the 5 techniques used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and October 2011, 44 female patients with urethral stricture associated with urethrovaginal fistula were treated using a total of 5 techniques. The surgical techniques were labial pedicle flap urethroplasty in 24 patients, vulvar flap urethroplasty in 3, anterior vaginal flap urethroplasty in 11, end-to-end anastomosis in 4 and bladder flap urethroplasty in 2. Supplementary procedures were performed in some patients during urethroplasty, including bladder neck reshaping for incontinence in 5, intestinal-vaginal fistula repair in 3, colpoplasty for island vulvar skin flaps in 3, middle vaginal stricture vaginoplasty in 2 and enlargement of the vaginal introitus in 1. RESULTS: Average postoperative followup was 42.3 months (range 6 to 140). Urethrovaginal fistula recurred in 2 patients because of infection, urethral stricture developed in 1 and stress incontinence appeared in 1. The other patients voided normally with an average maximum urine flow greater than 15 ml per second (range 16.7 to 46). The overall anatomical success rate was 93.18% (41 of 44 cases) and the functional success rate was 90.91% (40 of 44). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical procedures for treating female urethral strictures with urethrovaginal fistulas should be based on fistula location, stricture length and vaginal anatomy. A transvaginal approach might be optimal if the vagina is wide and easily dilated. Pedicle labial flap urethroplasty was a reliable technique for complex strictures.

Acquired rectourethral fistulas in adults: a systematic review of surgical repair techniques and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Rectourethral fistulas are uncommon. Retrospective studies and case reports have highlighted various approaches for surgical repair. Because clinical presentations and technical expertise vary widely, no single procedure has been universally adopted. OBJECTIVE: We sought to qualitatively analyze studies describing surgical techniques and outcomes in adult acquired rectourethral fistulas to outline universal approaches for evaluation and management. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (PubMed, Ovid) and the Cochrane Library were searched by using the terms rectourethral fistulas, recto-urethral fistulas, urethrorectal fistulas, and prostatourethral-rectal fistulas. STUDY SELECTION: All studies were retrospective, in English, and reported at least 4 cases. Any series with >50% congenital cases or <50% adults (19+ years) was excluded. Of the 569 records identified, 26 articles were included. INTERVENTION: The intervention was surgical repair of rectourethral fistula. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were successful fistula closure, fistula recurrence or persistence, and permanent fecal and/or urinary diversion. RESULTS: Four hundred sixteen patients were identified, including 169 (40%) who had previous pelvic irradiation and/or ablation. Most patients (90%) underwent 1 of 4 categories of repair: transanal (5.9%), transabdominal (12.5%), transsphincteric (15.7%), and transperineal (65.9%). Tissue interposition flaps, predominantly gracilis muscle, were used in 72% of repairs. The fistula was successfully closed in 87.5%. Overall permanent fecal and/or urinary diversion rates were 10.6% and 8.3%. Most high-volume centers (≥25 patients) performed transperineal repairs with tissue flaps in 100% of cases. LIMITATIONS: This review was limited by the heterogeneity of repairs and bias toward preferred surgical approaches in single-center studies. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of complexity, rectourethral fistulas have an initial closure rate approaching 90% when the transperineal approach is used. Permanent fecal and/or urinary diversion should be a last resort in patients with devastated, nonfunctional fecal and urinary systems.

An uncommon cause of gross hematuria: two cases of ureteroarterial fistula.

Ureteroarterial fistula (UAF) is a rare but potentially fatal cause of hematuria seen in patients with prolonged ureteral stenting in the setting of surgery or abdominal radiation. It presents as episodic, transfusion-dependent hematuria with formation of clots. There is no current consensus for the optimal way to diagnose or treat UAF. We report two cases of UAF that required repeated studies and provocative testing to confirm the diagnosis. Both were successfully managed by endovascular stenting. Clinicians must recognize the diagnostic difficulties involved and maintain a high index of suspicion for UAF in stented patients with intermittent, severe hematuria.

Laparoscopy-assisted surgery for male imperforate anus with rectourethral fistula.

Laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP), first described by Georgeson, is now considered to be the radical surgical treatment of choice for rectourethral fistula (RUF) in boys with high/intermediate-type imperforate anus. Accurate positioning of the pull-through canal, with pelvic floor muscles surrounding it symmetrically, is well recognized as the most important prognostic factor irrespective of the procedure performed. Surgical intervention should be LAARP with intraoperative measurement of the RUF, with follow-up focused on bowel habit. Complications such as diverticulum formation, have been reported with increasing frequency after LAARP and are most likely related to incomplete excision of the RUF, especially in bulbar cases. Thus, complete excision, while technically challenging, is crucial. Based on the results of a multicenter study comparing LAARP with other surgery, the most reliable investigation for detecting the presence of a diverticulum is MRI. At Juntendo University Hospital in Tokyo, Japan, blunt dissection with mosquito forceps to identify the potential pull-through canal, measuring the length of the RUF directly, and closer placement of trocars (in bulbar fistula cases) are homegrown refinements that we feel improve outcome and we present a review of our approach to the surgical management of ARM.

Use of autologous platelet rich fibrin in urethracutaneous fistula repair: preliminary report.

Urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) is one of the most common complications occurring after hypospadias repair. Despite the surgical advancement in hypospadias, multiple failed fistula closures are commonly referred to paediatric urologists. Although several techniques have been described to interpose a waterproof layer between urethral and skin closures, occurrence of urethrocutaneous fistula cannot be eliminated completely. In addition to several local tissue grafts, autologous and homologous fibrin sealants are used to prevent UCF. Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is known as an autologous source of growth factors obtained from the sera of the patient. PRF supports collagen synthesis and tissue repair and accelerates wound healing. We aimed to present our initial experience about the use of autologous PRF in a 3-year-old boy with a UCF after hypospadias repair.

Iatrogenic Ureterocolic Fistula in Pediatric Age Group: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Ureteral injury is one of the major complications related to colorectal and gynecologic procedures. Injuries are sometimes identified intraoperatively, but the diagnosis of ureteral injury is often delayed. Ureterocolic fistula is a relatively rare condition and mostly due to obstructing calculi, diverticular disease of the colon, radiotherapy, cancer, or trauma. Here in, we present a boy with an iatrogenic left ureterocolic fistula following multiple colonic surgeries that were complicated by an un-noticed left ureteric injury. This injury was not diagnosed early and the patient presented later with recurrent UTIs and decreased left differential renal function which necessitated open left nephroureterectomy.

Laparoscopic repair of acquired rectourethral fistula by vesical peritoneal flap.

INTRODUCTION: A rectourethral fistula (RUF) is an infrequent complication that can be iatrogenic in most cases. Multiple surgical interventions were described for RUF repair including transsphincteric, transanal, transperineal, and transabdominal approaches. To this day, there is no consensus on a standardized surgery of choice for acquired RUF. MATERIALS AND SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Our patient was diagnosed with RUF 4 weeks after undergoing laparoscopic low anterior resection for midrectum adenocarcinoma, with failure of conservative treatment. A three-port transabdominal approach was used to dissect the rectoprostatic space and close the fistula orifice on the anterior rectal wall. With the technical impossibility to develop an omental flap, the peritoneum on the posterior vesical wall was carefully dissected to form a rectangular flap pedicled by its inferior aspect. The harvested peritoneal flap was then anchored between the prostate and the rectum. Follow-up imaging showed the absence of RUF, concurrently with total remission of RUF symptomatology. DISCUSSION: Management of acquired RUF can be challenging, especially after failure of conservative treatment. Laparoscopic repair of acquired RUF by vesical peritoneal flap is a valid option for a minimally invasive approach for the treatment of RUF.