Correlation between congenital pelvic floor muscle development assessed by magnetic resonance imaging and postoperative defecation.

OBJECTIVE: Children with congenital anorectal malformation (CAM) experience challenges with defecation. This study aims to assess defecation in preschool-age children with CAM and to evaluate the correlation between pelvic floor muscle developed assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and postoperative defecation. METHODS: We collected clinical data and MRI results from 89 male children with CAM. The bowel function scores for children with Perineal (cutaneous) fistula, Rectourethral fistula(Prostatic or Bulbar), and Rectovesical fistula were computed. MRI scans were subjected to image analysis of the striated muscle complex (SMC). The association between pelvic floor muscle score and bowel function score was examined using the Cochran-Armitage Trend Test. RESULTS: We observed that 77.4% of the SMC scores by MRI for Perineal fistula were good. The Rectourethral fistula SMC score was 40.6% for moderate and 59.4% for poor. The SMC score for Rectovesical fistula was 100% for moderate. Furthermore, 77.4% of patients with Perineal fistula had bowel function scores (BFS) ≥ 17 points. Among those with Rectourethral fistula and Rectovesical fistula, 12.5% and 0 had BFS ≥ 17 points, respectively. An analysis of muscle development and bowel function in patients with Rectovesical fistula, Rectourethral fistula, and Perineal fistula revealed a correlation between SMC development and BFS. Subgroup analysis showed that the Perineal fistula had statistical significance; however, the Rectourethral fistula and Rectovesical fistula were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A correlation exists between pelvic floor muscle development and postoperative defecation in children with Perineal fistula.

Comparison of postoperative urinary complications in laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty versus posterior sagittal anorectoplasty for anorectal malformation with rectourethral fistula.

BACKGROUND: Long-term urinary outcomes after anorectal malformation (ARM) repair are affected by surgical approach and sacral anomalies. This study aimed to compare laparoscopic-assisted anorectoplasty (LAARP) and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) in terms of urinary complications. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2022, 45 patients were treated with LAARP or PSARP. The rectourethral fistula and inflow angle between the fistula and rectum was confirmed by preoperative colonography. The incidence of urinary complications and treatment were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Four patients (14%) had remnant fistula and five patients (17%) had neurogenic bladder dysfunction in LAARP group, while three patients (18%) had urethral injury in PSARP group. All patients with remnant fistula were asymptomatic and followed without treatment. The incidence of remnant fistula improved between earlier decade and later decade. In all cases with urethral injury, suture repair was performed and no postoperative leakage was noted. All five patients with neurogenic bladder dysfunction had spine abnormalities that required clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and two were free from CIC finally. CONCLUSIONS: It is important to check inflow angle preoperatively to prevent remnant fistula. For PSARP, meticulous dissection is required when separating fistula from urethra because they create common wall. The most contributing factor to neurogenic bladder is sacral anomalies. Preoperative evaluation and postoperative urinary drainage are important.

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.

Comparison of Urinary Diversion in Patients With Prostatic Fistula to Those with Localized Radiation Injury After Radiotherapy for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare characteristics and outcomes in patients who had radiotherapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa) and underwent urinary diversion (UD) due to prostatic fistula (Fistula) vs localized radiation injury (Localized). METHODS: This study was a retrospective single-institution study. Exclusion criteria included follow-up <3 months, large pelvic tumor, and surgery for cancer control. The Fistula group included fistulization outside of the urinary tract (rectal, soft tissue, thigh, pubic symphysis, and extensive necrosis surrounding the prostate). The group Localized had a multitude of problems; however, all were confined to the urinary tract. Patient characteristics, perioperative variables, and outcomes were compared between groups. RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients were included and had UD from 2009-2022. Median age and time from RT to UD were 73 (interquartile range (IQR) 67.9, 78.1) and 7.3 (IQR 3.2, 12.5) years. There were 29 (42%) and 40 (58%) patients in the Fistula and Localized groups. The Fistula group had a higher rate of abdominal/perineal approach (62.1% vs 12.5%, P <.001), a lower rate of right colon pouch (17.2% vs 40%, P = .043), and a longer operative time (515.7 vs 414.2 minutes, P = .017). Clavien-Dindo complications ≥3 were higher in the Fistula group (44.8% vs 20%, P = .027), including a higher rate of re-operation for recurrent pelvic abscess (37.9% vs 5%, P <.001). Survival for the cohort was 85.5% and did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with prostate fistula after RT for PCa undergoing UD had longer, more complex operations, and higher rates of complications, notably post-operative pelvic abscesses, compared to men with localized RT injury. Long-term survival was comparable in both groups.

Mid-Perineal Scrotal Flap for the Repair of Urorectal Fistulas: A New Technique.

Rectourethral fistula (RUF) is an infrequent but severe complication of the treatment of prostate cancer. Herein, we describe a new surgical approach used successfully in 3 patients that incorporates a partially de-epithelialized mid-perineal scrotal flap (MPSF), used as interposition flap, that can be used in almost every patient with RUF after radiotherapy, regardless of having or not a concomitant posterior urethra or bladder neck stricture or contracture that might require a simultaneous urethroplasty. The interposition flap includes well vascularized subcutaneous fat tissue by distal vascular branches of the internal pudendal vessels that reaches without tension the deep perineum up to the posterior bladder neck. The MPSF is a time efficient procedure that allows excellent access to the bulbar urethra and to the surgical plane between rectum and prostate and it does not require a separate incision for the flap harvesting procedure when required.

[Clinical effects of autologous split-thickness skin grafting for prefabricating urethra combined with scrotal flap in repairing middle urethral defect with penile defect].

Objective: To investigate the clinical effects of autologous split-thickness skin grafting for prefabricating urethra combined with scrotal flap in repairing middle urethral defect with penile defect. Methods: The retrospective observational study was conducted. Eight male patients (aged 14 to 58 years) with middle urethral defect and penile defect caused by various injuries who met the inclusion criteria were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from January 2015 to January 2022. The length of urethral defect was 3 to 5 cm, and the wound area of penile defect after debridement was 5.0 cm×2.5 cm to 7.0 cm×5.5 cm. All the patients underwent autologous split-thickness skin grafting for prefabricating defect urethra in stage Ⅰ, and urethral anastomosis was performed and unilateral scrotal flap was transferred to reconstruct urethra and penis in stage Ⅱ. The area of scrotal flap was 6.0 cm×3.0 cm to 8.0 cm×6.0 cm. The wound in the donor area of skin graft was covered by oil gauze, and the wound of flap donor area was sutured directly. On the 7th day after the operation of stage Ⅱ, the survival of the flap was observed. In 3 weeks after the operation of stage Ⅱ, the urinary flow rate was measured by the urinary flow rate detector (urinary flow rate >15 mL/s was regarded as unobstructed urination), the urinary fistula and erectile function were observed, and the self-made therapeutic satisfaction questionnaire was used to investigate the therapeutic satisfaction degree of patients. During follow-up, the appearance of the flap recipient area was observed, the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) was used to evaluate the scar situation in the donor areas of skin graft and flap, the urinary flow rate was detected as before, the urethral stricture, urinary fistula, and erectile function were observed, and the therapeutic satisfaction degree of patients was investigated. Results: On the 7th day after the operation of stage Ⅱ, the flaps survived completely in 8 patients. In 3 weeks after the operation of stage Ⅱ, the urinary flow rate was 25.3 (18.0, 38.5) mL/s, with unobstructed urination, without urinary fistula and with erectile function, and the score of therapeutic satisfaction degree was 14.3 (14.0, 15.0). During follow-up of 1 to 7 years, the flap recipient area of 8 patients was full in appearance and not swollen, with similar color to the surrounding tissue; the VSS scores of the donor areas of skin graft and flap were 11.5 (10.0, 13.0) and 10.5 (9.3, 12.0), respectively, the urinary flow rate was 24.6 (17.7, 34.1) mL/s, with no urethral stricture, urinary fistula, and erectile dysfunction, and the score of therapeutic satisfaction degree was 13.5 (13.3, 14.8). Conclusions: Autologous split-thickness skin grafting for prefabricating urethra combined with scrotal flap in repairing the urethral and penile defects not only reconstructs the structure of urethra and the shape of penis, but also restores the sensation and erectile function of penis, with few postoperative complications, no obvious scar hyperplasia, and high satisfaction degree of patients, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

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.

A Systematic Review of Pressure Injuries Associated with Urethrocutaneous Fistula.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature about combined urologic and reconstructive management of pressure injuries (PIs) with urethral fistulas. DATA SOURCES: Authors searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases using the following keywords: "Perineum" or "Perineal" and "Pressure Ulcers" or '' Pressure Injury'' and "Urethral Fistula." STUDY SELECTION: The search yielded a total of 95 articles. Study selection followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement, and the study was designed according to the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes, Study) guidelines. Congress abstracts, letters to the editor, and editorial comments were excluded. After screening, a total of 9 studies (30 patients) were included in the review. DATA EXTRACTION: Included patients received treatment for a perineal or ischial PI associated with a urinary fistula. The outcomes were recovery, complications, treatment failure, recurrence, and illness-related death. DATA SYNTHESIS: Pressure injuries were mainly ischiatic (50%) and perineal (43%). Forty-six percent of patients had spinal cord injuries, and at least 40% reported voiding dysfunction. Sixteen percent had previous ischiectomy. Flaps such as posterior thigh flap, biceps femoris flap, and inferiorly based transverse rectus abdominal muscle flap had 88% to 100% success rates when used with urinary diversion techniques. Suprapubic cystostomy, the simplest method of urinary diversion, was successful in 47% of cases when performed alone and in 100% when combined with a pedicled omental flap or a transverse rectus abdominal muscle flap. CONCLUSIONS: Prevention and wound care are essential for PI management, but when combined with a urinary fistula, surgical management is unavoidable. Urinary diversion is essential before undergoing any type of ulcer reconstruction. Urethral reconstruction showed favorable results, further strengthened when combined with a musculocutaneous flap.

Hypospadias management in children with anorectal malformation: a multidisciplinary single center experience.

Anorectal malformation (ARM) is often associated to other congenital malformations, requiring a tailored management. Hypospadias' treatment in ARM is poorly described. Aim of study is to describe our experience in ARM-hypospadias patients especially in relation to occult spinal dysraphism (OSD). ARM patients treated from 1999 to 2022 were retrospectively reviewed, selecting male with hypospadias. Clinical data, hypospadias's severity, ARM sub-type (Group A: perineal fistula; Group B: urethral fistula, bladder fistula, no fistula), OSD, other associated malformations, NLUTD were evaluated. Exclusion criteria: uncomplete data. Among 395 ARMs, 222 were males, 22 (10%) had hypospadias. Two patients were excluded. Group A: 8 patients, Group-B: 12. Hypospadias: proximal 9 patients, distal 11. Neuro-urological evaluation was performed before hypospadias repair. Eleven patients (55%) had OSD. Four OSD patients presented NLUTD and underwent detethering and CIC (two via cystostomy button, two via appendicostomy); two of them had hypospadias repaired. All proximal hypospadias underwent two stages of surgery. Distal hypospadias was corrected in 4/11 cases. Hypospadias is quite common in ARM patients and its surgical management must be scheduled considering the possible OSD and NLUTD, with the possible need for intermittent catheterization. Complexity of ARM and hypospadias appears to be related to each other.

Snodgrass Hypospadias Repair At Ayub Teaching Hospital: An Audit Of Complications And Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: There are many reported techniques for the repair of hypospadias, and new ones are being reported, which suggests that none is perfect. This study reports the anatomical success rate when using Snodgrass Technique. METHODS: In this descriptive case series, 296 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria, by being treated by Snodgrass urethroplasty, were enrolled. The study was conducted at the Department of Surgery, Unit-C, MTI, Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad between May 2008 and June 2021. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 2.4±.8 years, 79.7% (n=236) had anterior (glanular, coronal, sub coronal) meatal location and 20.3 % (n=60) had middle urethral meatus (distal & mid-shaft). The mean operative time was 52 min. 5.1% of patients developed neo-meatal stenosis (n=15), 7.1% (n=21) patients develop a urethral cutaneous fistula (compared to 5% in larger centers, 16% from smaller centers), 11.8% (n=35) developed wound infection, 2% (n=6) had complete disruption. The cosmetic appearance of the penis was "excellent"/good (shape of meatus was slit-like and vertically oriented) in 60.1% (n=178) patients, "acceptable" in 30.1% (n=89), and "not acceptable" in 9.8% (n=29). CONCLUSIONS: Snodgrass technique has a low complication rate, offers an acceptable cosmetic outcome and can be successfully applied to a wide range of defects from distal to mid-shaft hypospadias. Common complications include urethral-cutaneous fistula and meatal stenosis; both occur in a low and acceptable number of patients.

Pyelonephritic end-stage kidney and ureterocutaneous fistula in a Shetland pony.

A 12-y-old Shetland Pony was presented with a mucus-secreting fistula in the right paralumbar fossa. Surgery was performed to unravel the origin of the fistula. The horse died under anesthesia and was forwarded to autopsy. The right kidney was markedly atrophic and fibrotic, consistent with unilateral end-stage kidney. The right ureter was markedly thickened, but with luminal continuity leading into the urinary bladder where a partial obstruction caused by nodular para-ureteral fat necrosis was evident. The lumen of the cutaneous fistula was continuous with the right ureter; therefore, we diagnosed the lesion as a ureterocutaneous fistula. Anomalies of the ureter are uncommon, and ureterocutaneous fistula formation in equids has not been reported previously to our knowledge.

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.

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).

EVALUATION OF VEST-OVER-PANT TECHNIQUE IN THE TREATMENT OF POST-HYPOSPADIAS URETHROCUTANEOUS FISTULA.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: In this study, we present and evaluate the vest-over-pants technique as a simple way to correct urethrocutaneous fistulas after hypospadias. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: Between October 2018 and June 2020, twenty male patients aged 5 to 20 years came to us with post hypospadias repair fistula, these patients underwent vest-over-pant repair of their fistula. The size of fistula was ranging between 2.5-5 mm. The distribution of fistula was coronal (3 patients), distal penile (9 patients), midshaft (2 patients) and proximal penile (6 patients). In 14 patients there were single fistula and 6 patients had more than one fistula. Eleven of patients were exposed to a previous failed fistula repair procedure. RESULTS: Results: Six months after the operation, the fistula recurred only in 2 patients, and our operation was successful in 90% of cases without complications. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The vest-over-pants technique is a simple and effective way to treat penile fistulas after hypospadias in properly selected patients. It is a technically simple procedure with a short learning curve and no major postoperative complications.