Conservative management of rectocutaneous fistula following radical perineal prostatectomy

Urology. 1996 Apr;47(4):592-4; discussion 594-5. doi: 10.1016/S0090-4295(99)80503-2.

Abstract

Inadvertent rectal injury during radical perineal prostatectomy may sometimes lead to the development of a rectocutaneous fistula. This has traditionally been managed with diverting colostomy until closure of the fistula is assured. We report 3 cases of rectocutaneous fistula following radical perineal prostatectomy, which were managed in a more conservative fashion. This included appropriate wound care, antibiotics, bowel rest, parenteral hyperalimentation, and, in the presence of a concomitant urine leak in 1 case, optimal urinary diversion and bed rest. All fistulas healed without incident.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cutaneous Fistula / etiology*
  • Cutaneous Fistula / therapy
  • Humans
  • Iatrogenic Disease*
  • Intraoperative Complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Perineum
  • Preoperative Care
  • Prostatectomy*
  • Rectal Fistula / etiology*
  • Rectal Fistula / therapy