A Novel Approach To The Repair Of Urethrocutaneous Fistulae Arising After Abdominoperineal Anorectal Resection

This case report describes a novel approach to the repair of perineal urethrocutaneous fistulae (UCF) after abdominoperineal resection (APR). A 62-year-old patient developed a UCF after an APR for rectal cancer complicated by perineal abscess formation. The patient presented with continuous urinary drainage from the fistula that persisted despite a number of conservative and surgical measures. The patient underwent successful repair of the urethrocutaneous fistula in prone position-an approach that has not previously been described in the literature. Repair was performed by the multidisciplinary team of a reconstructive urologist, colorectal surgeon, and plastic surgeon. Post-operative retrograde urethrogram demonstrated the absence of a persistent fistula tract and the patient has been continent for 18 months. The prone approach for UCF repair allows for excellent access to the fistula tract for posterior urethroplasty in a patient that has had prior APR.