Seminal vesicle fistula following abdominoperineal resection for recurrent adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Report of a case.
OBJECTIVE
Fistula formation between the seminal vesicles and a pelvic abscess after abdominal perineal resection for recurrent rectal cancer is reported in a 32-year-old male previously treated with low anterior resection, chemotherapy, and radiation.


METHODS
The case history was reviewed for clinical presentation, radiologic studies, and laboratory data.


RESULTS
Successful management of this previously unreported complication included percutaneous abscess drainage, antimicrobial therapy, and oral administration of Proscar (Merck, Sharpe & Dohme, Rathway, NJ).


CONCLUSIONS
Multiple factors predisposed this patient's development of a seminal vesicle fistula. These include extensive scarring from previous surgery, pelvic radiation, and an immunologically depressed status. The efficacy of Proscar in the successful management of this case remains unknown.
Kollmorgen
T A
TA
Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
Kollmorgen
C F
CF
Lieber
M M
MM
Wolff
B G
BG
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D005402:Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D005832:Genital Diseases, Male / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012004:Rectal Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery*; D012669:Seminal Vesicles