Urethrorectal fistula ligation and transection in a dog with a history of unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism and misdiagnosed anal gland disease.

A 10-month-old unilaterally cryptorchid male labradoodle dog was presented to a specialty surgery referral center with a reported history of persistent anal sac leakage that was unresponsive to conservative management. The dog underwent castration and left anal sacculectomy but was witnessed urinating from the anus postoperatively. A contrast urethrogram was performed, and a urethrorectal fistula located between the distal portion of the pelvic urethra and the caudal aspect of the rectum was diagnosed. One week later, the dog underwent ligation and transection of the fistula. Surgery was successful and the dog recovered unremarkably with complete resolution of clinical signs. A contrast urethrogram 1 mo after surgery confirmed the successful ligation and transection of the fistula. Key clinical message: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first clinical report of urethrorectal fistula ligation and transection in a dog with unilateral abdominal cryptorchidism and misdiagnosed anal sac disease. Our findings underscore the importance of a thorough physical examination, history taking, and clinical workup for appropriate diagnosis and treatment of multiple congenital abnormalities.

Ligature et transection de la fistule urétrorectale chez un chien ayant des antécédents de cryptorchidie abdominale unilatérale et de maladie des glandes anales mal diagnostiquée. Un chien Labradoodle mâle unilatéralement cryptorchide âgé de 10 mois a été présenté à un centre de référence en chirurgie spécialisée avec des antécédents signalés de fuite persistante du sac anal qui ne répondait pas à une prise en charge conservatrice. Le chien a subi une castration et une sacculectomie anale gauche, mais a été vu en train d'uriner par l'anus après l'opération. Un urétrogramme de contraste a été réalisé et une fistule urétrorectale située entre la partie distale de l'urètre pelvien et la face caudale du rectum a été diagnostiquée. Une semaine plus tard, le chien a subi une ligature et une section de la fistule. La chirurgie a été un succès et le chien s'est rétabli sans particularité avec une résolution complète des signes cliniques. Un urétrogramme de contraste 1 mois après la chirurgie a confirmé la réussite de la ligature et de la section de la fistule.Message clinique clé :À la connaissance des auteurs, il s'agit du premier rapport clinique de ligature et de transection de fistule urétrorectale chez un chien atteint de cryptorchidie abdominale unilatérale et d'une maladie du sac anal mal diagnostiquée. Nos résultats soulignent l'importance d'un examen physique approfondi, d'une anamnèse et d'un bilan clinique pour un diagnostic et un traitement appropriés des anomalies congénitales multiples.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Uro-symphyseal Fistula: A Systematic Review to Inform a Contemporary, Evidence-based Management Framework.

OBJECTIVE: To collate available data via systematic review considering etiology, presentation, and treatment of Uro-Symphyseal Fistula (USF) in order to inform a contemporary management framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the Cochrane Handbook and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021232954). MEDLINE and CENTRAL databases were searched for manuscripts considering USF published between 2000 and 2022. Full text manuscripts were reviewed for clinical data. Univariate statistical analysis was performed where possible. RESULTS: A total of 31 manuscripts, comprising 248 USF cases, met inclusion criteria. Suprapubic pain and difficulty ambulating were common symptoms. MRI confirmed the diagnosis in 95% of cases. Radiotherapy for prostate cancer was the most common predisposing factor (93%). Among these patients, prior endoscopic bladder outlet surgery was common (83%; bladder neck incision/urethral dilatation n = 59, TURP/GLL PVP n = 34). In those with prior prostatic radiation, conservative management failed in 96% of cases. Cystectomy with urinary diversion (86% n = 184) was favored over bladder-sparing techniques (14% (n = 30) after prior radiation. In radiation naïve patients, conservative management failed in 72% of patients, resulting in either open fistula repair with flap (62%) or radical prostatectomy (28%). CONCLUSION: Prior radiotherapy is a significant risk factor for USF and almost always requires definitive major surgery (debridement, cystectomy, and urinary diversion). On the basis of the findings within this systematic review, we present management principles that may assist clinicians with these complex cases. Further research into pathogenesis, prevention, and optimal treatment approach is required.

[Uretero-iliac artery fistula as a urological emergency]. / Ureteroiliakale Fistel als eine Urologische Notfallsituation.

Uretero-iliac artery fistulae represent a urological emergency with considerable mortality. We present 2 cases of a uretero-iliac artery fistula. Nowadays, minimally-invasive endovascular therapy seems to be the treatment of choice. For an optimal outcome, a multidisciplinary team with imminent availability of radiology, vascular surgery, urology and anaesthesia is required.

Uretero-vaginal fistulas - clinical presentation, treatment and literature overview.

A uretero-vaginal fistula (UVF) describes an abnormal connection between the ureter and vagina causing urinary incontinence, frequent infection, and discomfort. Although UVF might be diagnosed after vaginal delivery, infertility treatment or pelvic radiation therapy, gynecological operations, especially total abdominal hysterectomy, remain the leading cause of ureteral injury and formation of UVF. Traditional ureteroneocystostomy was usually the treatment of choice in patients with UVF. Nevertheless, it is now frequently replaced by less invasive endoscopic and percutaneous procedures which are also highly effective and feasible. That is why, ureteral stenting became the first-line treatment in uncomplicated UVF. The aim of this review is to present clinical presentation of UVF and to assess the current state of knowledge about the diagnosis and management of uretero-vaginal fistula with special interest on minimally-invasive methods.

Arterio-Ureteral Fistula: Systematic Review of 445 Patients.

PURPOSE: Arterio-ureteral fistula (AUF) is an uncommon diagnosis, but increasingly reported and potentially lethal. This systematic review comprehensively presents risk factors, pathophysiology, location and clinical presentation of AUF aiming to increase clinical awareness of this rare but life-threatening condition, and to put this entity into a contemporary perspective with modern diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data) guidelines. A literature search in PubMed® and EMBASE™ was conducted. In addition, retrieved articles were cross-referenced. Data parameters included oncologic, vascular and urological history, diagnostics, treatment, and followup, and were collected using a standard template by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS: A total of 245 articles with 445 patients and 470 AUFs were included. Most patients had chronic indwelling ureteral stents (80%) and history of pelvic oncology (70%). Hematuria was observed in 99% of the patients, of whom 76% presented with massive hematuria with or without previous episodes of (micro)hematuria. For diagnosis, angiography had a sensitivity of 62%. The most predominant location of AUF was at the common iliac artery ureteral crossing. AUF-specific mortality before 2000 vs after 2000 is 19% vs 7%, coinciding with increasing use of endovascular stents. CONCLUSIONS: AUF should be considered in patients with a medical history of vascular surgery, pelvic oncologic surgery, irradiation and/or chronic indwelling ureteral stents presenting with intermittent (micro)hematuria. A multidisciplinary consultation is necessary for diagnosis and treatment. The most sensitive test is angiography and the preferred initial treatment is endovascular.

Colorenal fistula and urinary tract infection in a pediatric patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. / Fístula colorrenal e infección de vías urinarias en paciente pediátrico con leucemia linfoide aguda.

INTRODUCTION: Colorenal fistula is rare in the pediatric population. It may occur at any segment involved by ischemia, chronic inflammation, or necrosis. It is typically associated with a preliminary renal lesion that may arise as a result of interventional procedures, inflammatory conditions, colon tumor, and xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis, among others. CASE REPORT: 15-year-old female patient diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia admitted at our institution for baseline condition management. During her stay, she experienced gastrointestinal and urinary infectious events. In the assessment and management of those, a left colorenal fistula was found. Surgical treatment was decided upon. DISCUSSION: Colorenal fistula typically occurs secondary to renal inflammation or infection. Clinical signs are highly variable, and treatment is surgical, with the fistulous tract being resected in all cases.

INTRODUCCION: Las fístulas colorrenales son infrecuentes en la población pediátrica. Pueden desarrollarse en cualquier segmento afectado por isquemia, inflamación crónica o necrosis. Suelen estar asociadas a una lesión primitiva en el riñón que puede producirse por procedimientos intervencionistas, enfermedades inflamatorias, tumorales del colon, pielonefritis xantogranulomatosa, entre otras. CASO CLINICO: Paciente femenina de 15 años, con diagnóstico de leucemia linfoide aguda, ingresa a la institución para recibir manejo de su enfermedad de base. Durante su evolución, desarrolla eventos infecciosos (gastrointestinales y urinarios), y en evaluación y manejo de estos se documenta fístula colorrenal izquierda, motivo por el cual se da un enfoque de tratamiento quirúrgico. COMENTARIOS: La fístula renocólica generalmente se presenta secundaria a procesos inflamatorios o infecciosos renales; su presentación clínica es muy variada, y el tratamiento es quirúrgico, incluyendo siempre la resección del trayecto fistuloso.

Misdiagnosis of Congenital Posterior Urethroperineal Fistula and Comparison With Urethral Duplications and Rectourethral Fistula.

Congenital posterior urethroperineal fistula (CUPF) is a urothelium-lined tract between the posterior urethra and perineum. This condition is rare and has been proposed to be a urethral duplication variant. A case of CUPF that was misdiagnosed and surgically treated as a rectourethral fistula is presented. The clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of CUPF are discussed and compared with those of Y-type urethral duplications and H-type rectourethral fistulas.

Uretero-arterial fistula: Six new cases and systematic review of the literature.

AIM: Secondary uretero-arterial fistulas (SUAF) are uncommon, underrated and threatening for any patient. Gross hematuria is a clinical symptom of this pathology for patients with history of pelvic radiotherapy, complex pelvic surgery or long-term ureteral stenting. The purpose of this work is to assess risk factors, diagnosis and treatment of SUAF. METHODS: Monocentric and retrospective series of 6 new cases illustrated by a literature review through MedLine and Pubmed using the keywords "arterio-ureteral fistula", "arterio iliac fistula" and "ilio-ureteral fistula". We excluded uretero-arterial fistula following vascular surgery. RESULTS: Our series included 4 men and 2 women. All patients had a history of complex pelvic surgery and long-term ureteral stenting. Three patients had history of pelvic radiotherapy. They all had inaugural macroscopic haematuria episode. Two fistula cases were diagnosed on 5 repeated CT-scans. In 2 out of 5 cases, arteriography highlighted the fistula. Fistulas were generally located at the left common iliac artery. An endovascular stent was placed in 5 out of 6 cases. One patient needed open surgery. After treatment, 3 patients remained alive, 3 patients died either by a fistula relapse or by complications late in the treatment. CONCLUSION: SUAF are uncommon, but serious. Today, there is no specific recommendation regarding complex treatment of these fistulas. Endovascular stents seem to be a good therapeutic option. LEVEL OF PROOF: 3.

Accuracy of pre-operative fistula diagnostics in anorectal malformations.

BACKGROUND: Surgical safety during posterior sagittal anorectal plasty (PSARP) for anorectal malformations (ARM) depends on accurate pre-operative fistula localization. This study aimed to evaluate accuracy of pre-operative fistula diagnostics. METHODS: Ethical approval was obtained. Diagnostic accuracy of pre-PSARP symptoms (stool in urine, urine in passive ostomy, urinary tract infection) and examination modalities (voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), high-pressure colostogram, cystoscopy and ostomy endoscopy) were compared to final intra-operative ARM-type classification in all male neonates born with ARM without a perineal fistula treated at a tertiary pediatric surgery center during 2001-2020. RESULTS: The 38 included neonates underwent reconstruction surgery through PSARP with diverted ostomy. Thirty-one (82%) had a recto-urinary tract fistula and seven (18%) no fistula. Ostomy endoscopy yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy for fistula presence (22 correctly classified/24 examined cases; 92%), and pre-operative symptoms the lowest (21/38; 55%). For pre-operative fistula level determination, cystoscopy yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy (14/20; 70%), followed by colostogram (23/35; 66%), and VCUG (21/36; 58%). No modality proved to be statistically superior to any other. CONCLUSIONS: Ostomy endoscopy has the highest diagnostic accuracy for fistula presence, and cystoscopy and high-pressure colostogram for fistula level determination. Correct pre-operative ARM-typing reached a maximum of 60-70%.

Video-Endoscopic Mobilization of the Gracilis Muscle for Rectourinary Fistula Repair.

INTRODUCTION: Transposition of the gracilis has been used in a large number of reconstructive procedures. Its advantage is its proximity to these defects and a good blood supply. Traditionally, the gracilis mobilization is performed by open surgery with one or more incisions. We describe our initial experience with the video-endoscopic mobilization of gracilis. METHOD: We described a retrospective review of all patients who underwent gracilis muscle mobilization for treatment of rectourethral fistula, performed by video-endoscopy, between March 2013 and September 2017, for treatment of rectourethral fistula. Also, our surgical technique is described in detail. RESULTS: Three patients, with a mean age of 66.6 years, underwent the procedures. The mean time for mobilization of the gracilis was 107 min (range 60-145). There was no case of donor area infection, no change in the sensitivity of the medial aspect of the thigh or chronic pain. Conversion to open surgery was not necessary in any case. The hospital discharge occurred in average after 4 days. The bladder catheter was removed after 4 weeks after cystography was performed without evidence of leakage. One patient had a recurrence of the fistula. DISCUSSION: The gracilis is an excellent choice of tissue to be interposed in reconstructive procedures of the perineal region, especially in the treatment of rectourinary fistulas. However, endoscopic harvest of the gracilis muscle has not yet found its way into everyday practice. The results in the treatment of rectourinary fistulas are excellent, with a success rate of 87.7%. Our rate of 67% is below, probably due to the small number of cases. In open surgery, complications are uncommon; however, approximately half of the patients expressed concern about the painful scar, which can be reduced by minimally invasive access. CONCLUSION: Video-endoscopic mobilization of gracilis muscle for the treatment of rectourethral fistula is feasible and safe. Studies comparing this technique with the conventional mobilization are required.

[Diagnostic nomograms for the treatment of urogenital fistula].

AIM: Studies on non-obstetric urogenital fistula provide limited information on predictive factors. The aim of our study was to specify and to analyze the predictors for long-term anatomical and functional results in women with non-obstetric urogenital fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-section study of surgical repair for non-obstetric urogenital fistula repairs was carried out. From 2012 to 2018, a total of 446 patients with urogenital fistulas were treated in two tertiary centers. 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. Anatomical outcome was assessed by resolution of symptoms and/or results of clinical examination. Urinary distress inventory (UDI-6) was used for the measurement of functional outcomes. The nomogram is based on a multiple regression equation, the solution of which is performed using a computer. The nomogram is presented as a set of scales, each of which corresponds to a certain variable. The baseline parameter is assigned certain points, depending on its value, then the sum of all parameters is calculated. As a result, it is possible to determine the risk using a couple or three scales. RESULTS: Overall, 169 patients were studied (mean age of 49.2, mean follow-up of 34 months). The most common cause of fistulas included hysterectomy (69.4%), followed by pelvic radiotherapy (18.9%). Only 64% of cases were primary fistula. Closure rate was 90.7% (98/108). Anatomical success depended on the surgical approach. For transvesical procedure, success rate was 89.4% (42/47), compared to 84% (89/106) and 87.5% (14/16), respectively for transvaginal and transabdominal success rate. According to Clavien-Dindo, complications were grade 1 (11.8%) and grade 2 (4.7%). As UDI-6 showed, the most common symptoms were frequency (62%), urgency (50%), incontinence (73%), pain (55%) and voiding symptoms (27%). Fistula size > 3.0 cm, pelvic radiation, and previous vaginal surgeries were associated with a higher risk of failure or more severe lower urinary tract symptoms. A high number of re-do cases and complex fistulas could be a limitation of this study. Factors for successful non-obstetric urogenital fistula closure were fistula size less than 3.0 cm, absence of pelvic radiation, and previous vaginal surgeries. CONCLUSION: According to our results, only fistula size > 3 cm, previous vaginal procedures and pelvis irradiation were unfavorable predictors for anatomic success of fistula repair. In addition, our results allow to determine the predictors for successful repair and risk of recurrence lower urinary tract symptoms postoperatively.

Unusual cause of Fournier's gangrene: colorectal-genitourinary tract fistulae status post brachytherapy.

There are few reports of radiation associated colorectal-genitourinary tract (CRGU) fistulae causing Fournier's gangrene (FG). We describe a case of FG in a patient with possibly two CRGU fistulae in the context of previous high-dose brachytherapy and external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Unfortunately, CRGU fistulae are not well classified as significant risk factors for the development of FG. Our case demonstrates the rationale for maintaining a broad differential in patients presenting with recurrent urinary tract symptoms or necrotising soft tissue infections to include undiagnosed fistulae.

Uretero-Iliac artery fistula: a rare cause of haematuria.

A woman in her mid-forties with a history of cervical cancer requiring chemoradiation presented with bilateral ureteral strictures secondary to radiation therapy. The ureteral obstruction was initially relieved with bilateral percutaneous nephrostomy tubes, and subsequently, bilateral ureteral stents. Over the course of 8 months, she presented with multiple episodes of severe gross haematuria. This persisted even after stent removal and conversion back to percutaneous nephrostomy tubes. The initial evaluation, done with concern for an uretero-iliac artery fistula, which included bilateral retrograde pyelograms and CT angiography was non-diagnostic. Given continued haematuria, repeat endoscopic evaluation was undertaken; on retrograde pyelogram, brisk contrast was seen to pass into the arterial system, consistent with a left ureteroarterial fistula. The patient underwent endovascular iliac artery stent placement. Subsequently, the patient underwent resection of the iliac artery with endovascular graft in situ, left distal ureterectomy with proximal ureteral ligation following femoral-to-femoral bypass. This allowed for complete resolution of the patient's gross haematuria episodes.

Urethral Triplication With Diverticulum Malformation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

A 3-year-old boy presented to our pediatric urology with a history of urine flow under the scrotum when voiding in a squatting position but not when standing. And the ventral side of the front penis became enlarged during urination and dribbled afterward. Physical examination revealed the boy had 2 urethras opening at the tip of glans, and another accessory urethra opening at perineum. Rigid cystoscopy and voiding cystourethrography confirmed it to be a urethral triplication malformation. This condition, the combination of urethral diverticulum and urethral triplication, consisting of urethro-perineum fistula, has not been previously reported.

Baseline renal function and renal ultrasound findings in patients with obstetric fistulas (RENFRU): a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare baseline renal anatomy and renal function in patients with obstetric fistulas, and to evaluate whether preoperative renal testing and imaging may aid with operative decision making. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Fistula Care Centre in Malawi. POPULATION: Women with an obstetric fistula. METHODS: Baseline creatinine testing and renal ultrasounds were performed. Surgeons completed a short questionnaire on the usefulness of creatinine and renal ultrasound on operative decision making. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Baseline creatinine and renal ultrasound findings. RESULTS: Four surgeons performed operations on 85 patients. The mean creatinine in patients with vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF) was 0.60 ng/ml versus patients with uretero-vaginal fistulas (UVF) (0.79 ng/ml, P = 0.012). When a grade 3 or more hydronephrosis is absent on renal ultrasound, the negative predictive value of the presence of UVF is 93.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 88.6-96.2) with a specificity of 97.2% (95% CI 90.3-99.6). In cases of UVF, surgeons found the renal ultrasound results useful or very useful 87.5% of the time, and the creatinine useful or very useful 75% of the time. CONCLUSION: In this pilot study, most patients with obstetric fistulas presented with a normal creatinine. In the absence of a grade 3 hydronephrosis or above on renal ultrasound, the probability of not having a UVF is 93.3%. Surgeons should consider performing preoperative renal ultrasound testing in all patients with an obstetric fistula, particularly in women with a prior laparotomy, as this population has risk factors for ureterovaginal fistula. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Most patients with obstetric fistulas have normal renal function. Preoperative renal ultrasounds should be performed.

Spontaneous Ureterocutaneous Fistula Secondary to Obstructed Ureteric Stone.

We present a unique case of ureterocutaneous fistula secondary to an obstructed ureteric stone. A fistulagram confirmed a communication between right flank and the proximal ureter. Ureterocutanoues fistula in the absence of trauma, iatrogenic causes, granulomatous infection, or malignancy is highly unusual.

Efficacy and Safety of Supracostal Access for Mini Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of supracostal percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) through the 11th intercostal space and compare it with subcostal PCNL in children with renal calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with renal calculi who underwent PCNL between January 2010 and December 2017 were divided into 2 groups: supracostal PCNL (group 1) and subcostal PCNL (group 2). Stone location, stone burden, location of the access points, operative time, postoperative visual pain score, success rate, hospital stay, and complications according to the modified Clavien classification were compared. Comparison of medians was done using Mann Whitney U test and the means were compared using t test. RESULTS: Group 1 had 50 patients while group 2 had 60 patients. The stone-free rate was 84.0% and 85.0% in groups 1 and 2, respectively after 1 session of PCNL (P = .885). After auxiliary procedures, it increased to 96.0% and 96.6%, respectively (P = .852). The mean fall in hematocrit was 0.9% in group 1 and 1.5% in group 2 (P = .11) whereas the median pain score was 4 in group 1 and 3 in group 2 (P = .37). In all, 54 complications were recorded the commonest among which were grade I (81.5%). Twenty-nine complications were observed in group 1 while 25 complications were observed in group 2 (P = .088). One patient developed nephropleural fistula while another patient developed hydropneumothorax. Both belonged to group 1. CONCLUSION: Supracostal access for PCNL is an effective and safe alternative to subcostal access for children with renal calculi in terms of stone-free rate and complications.

Dermal regeneration sheet Integra® in management of recurrent Urethrocutaneous fistula after hypospadias surgery.

BACKGROUND: Urethrocutaneous fistula UCF is the most common complication following surgical repair of hypospadias. Currently, the surgical technique mostly used to prevent recurrence employs preputial dartos or testicular tunica vaginalis flaps as a urethral covering. However, autologous tissues are limited in patients with multiple surgeries, and the use of biomaterials as a urethral coverage may represent a good alternative. OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study is to assess the results and complications of recurrent UCF correction using a dermal bovine regeneration sheet as a urethral covering. MATERIALS AND METHOD: From May 2016 to January 2019, all patients with recurrent UCF of the authors center were repaired using this technique. The inclusion criteria were patients who had undergone one or more unsuccessful UCF repair surgeries and the absence of preputial tissue. The informed consent has been signed by all the patients. Patients were examined in outpatient consultations where their urinary stream was evaluated and a physical examination of the penis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients and 13 UCFs were included in the study. The median follow-up was 18 months, (range: 4-26), and only two patients (15%) developed a recurrence of UCF. No complications were observed in the remaining patients (85%) during their evolution. No patient developed a fibrosis increase or loss of elasticity of the tissues in contact with the dermal matrix. CONCLUSION: The use of an Integra® sheet as a urethral covering during urethral fistula surgery appears to be a safe, effective, and easily reproducible option. However, prospective studies with larger numbers of patients should be performed to corroborate these results.