Transanal endoscopic microsurgery for correction of rectourethral fistulae

BACKGROUND: Rectourethral fistula is a rare complication of radical prostatectomy. Transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) is a minimally invasive technique available for its surgical correction, although currently, TEM is used more commonly for excision of adenomas and stage T(1) carcinomas of the rectum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report two patients with rectourethral fistulae after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in whom TEM was used for closure. The surgical procedure included microscopic full-thickness excision of the rectal wall around the fistula with a 1-cm margin and endoscopic suturing of the defect in the urethral and rectal walls. RESULTS: In one case, the rectourethral fistula was closed using TEM. In the other patient, the procedure, performed after failure of a graciloplasty, was difficult because of extensive scar tissue, and the fistula persisted. CONCLUSIONS: The TEM procedure is a minimally invasive technique that may be considered for surgical repair of rectourethral fistulae.     

Surgical treatment of duodenal fistulae

The experience of surgical treatment of 10 patients with external intestinal fistulae was analyzed. The plot of the operation was to exlude the duodenum from the digestion by performing the retrocolic gastroenteroanastomosis after Roux or on the ultrashort loop. Early operation prevent septic complications and electrolyte disbalance. Duodenal fistulae, developed on the background of pancreonecrosis or after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography, necessitate the external choledochial drainage.     

Surgical treatment of the unformed intestinal fistulae

Treatment results of 5 patients with unformed intestinal fistulae are represented. High unformed intestinal fistulae are acknowledged to be completely unsuitable for conservative treatment and should be operated on. Complex treatment should include complete parenteral feeding, adequate fecal diversion with the use of aspirational drainage. Surgical treatment must be y the increase of fistula discharge or absence of fistula formation. Low intestinal fistulae should better be surgically dissected after their organization, otherwise urgent surgery is to be performed by complications development, such as purulent leakage into the abdominal cavity or severe wound infection.     

Surgical treatment procedures in patients with external and internal hepatobiliary fistulae

Within a period of from 1967 to 1987, the authors treated 389 patients with injuries and diseases of the liver, bile ducts, adjacent organs, which were complicated by long-existing external and internal fistulas of the bile ducts, or intrahepatic cavities.     

Management and treatment of eighteen rectourethral fistulas

There is only rare and scanty literature explaining the different surgical techniques and results for rectourethral fistulas. Here we present a review of 18 patients with rectourethral fistula. In half of the cases Bevan-Mason repair was undertaken with success.     

Surgical treatment of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulae located around the tentorial incisura

Tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulae (DAVF) are relatively uncommon and are the most dangerous type of DAVF. Because of a high incidence of hemorrhage and subsequent neurological deficits, treatment is mandatory. A consecutive series of nine surgically treated patients with symptomatic tentorial DAVF were analyzed in this study. All lesions were located around the tentorial incisura and were treated microsurgically using a subtemporal approach in eight cases and a supracerebellar approach in one case. The dural bases of the lesions were located adjacent to the tentorial edge in six patients and the tentorial apex in three patients. Complete obliteration was achieved in all treated tentorial DAVF. In one patient, the torcular fistula remained untreated without cortical venous reflux. Postoperative asymptomatic temporal lobe hemorrhage was diagnosed in one patient with a tentorial apex DAVF; however, no new neurological symptoms were present after surgical treatment. The subtemporal approach for unilateral tentorial DAVF is a favorable and direct approach for the highly skilled surgeon. Perimesencephalic venous dilatation or varix is an important finding on MRI to help localize tentorial DAVF in the tentorial edge or apex.     

Surgical management of traumatic cardiac fistulae

Seven cases of traumatic intracardiac lesions following penetrating stab wounds of the heart are presented. The surgical management and complications encountered in these cases are discussed.     

Surgical management of acquired rectourethral fistula,emphasizing the posterior approach

Rectourethral fistula is an uncommon surgical entity having a variety of congenital and acquired causes. Although several surgical approaches have been proposed in the literature, successful repair is often difficult. The 2 patients described had rectourethral fistulas after radical prostatectomy. One patient failed previous transabdominal and perineal repairs. The authors propose a 3-step approach to management of acquired rectourethral fistulas. A diverting transverse colostomy with insertion of a suprapubic or indwelling silicone rubber Foley catheter for 3 to 6 months will allow for a decrease in the inflammatory response surrounding the involved area and possible spontaneous closure. If spontaneous closure does not occur within this time, the fistula should be closed operatively through a posterior approach (modified York–Mason procedure). This approach provides excellent exposure and allows the suture lines to be offset, which in turn allows for better healing, presents a minimal risk of impotence or incontinence and allows for complete separation of urinary and fecal streams. The third step involves closure of the colostomy followed by removal of the Foley or suprapubic catheter if there is no recurrence. Timing of this step is crucial and should be individualized according to the postoperative course.     

Surgical excision of first cleft branchial fistulae

Three patients were studied who had fistulae in the neck derived from the first branchial cleft. Evidence is presented to show that although these fistulae usually pass superficial to the facial nerve they may also pass deep to one or both main divisions of the nerve. We conclude that a formal superficial conservative parotidectomy with full exposure of the facial nerve is the safest operative course when excising these fistulae.