Experience with 30 posttraumatic rectourethral fistulas: Presentation of posterior transsphincteric anterior rectal wall advancement

Purpose: We present the challenging problems involving the treatment of rectourethral fistulas, especially those caused by war wounds. Various existing techniques used by a single surgeon are compared in this study. The method of posterior transsphincteric anterior rectal wall advancement is described as the treatment of choice. We emphasize the importance of fecal and urinary diversion. To our knowledge this series is the largest in the literature. Materials and Methods: From 1981 to 1994 we treated 30 men 18 to 50 years old (mean age 34) with posttraumatic rectourethral fistulas, including 23 (76.5%) caused by missiles. Urethroscopy with digital examination under anesthesia was the most reliable diagnostic study. End sigmoid colostomy and suprapubic cystostomy were performed in all patients. Results: In 14 patients (46.5%) the fistula healed after double diversion but 16 (53.5%) required reconstruction for repair. Of the 6 procedures using established techniques in 5 patients 3 (50%) failed and 3 were successful but a urethral stricture developed after 2 (66%). On the other hand, in all patients (100%) who underwent repair via posterior transsphincteric anterior rectal wall advancement the fistula resolved and a stricture developed in 3 (27%). Fistula size and extent of fibrosis affected treatment, while etiology did not, Urethral obstruction complicated only the missile wounds. Conclusions: Double diversion has resulted in resolution of approximately half of the small, less fibrous fistulas. Early repair is recommended for large fibrous fistulas. Anterior rectal wall advancement through a posterior transsphincteric incision offers a new option that has proved to be successful and safe, and causes fewer urethral complications. It also provided good visualization with minimal bleeding and was less painful. Double diversion is a prerequisite to reconstruction.