title: Rectal flap advancement--a simple and effective approach for the treatment of rectourethral fistula.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Rectourethral fistula is a rare complication of prostatic surgery and other pelvic procedures. We report our experience of surgical repair of using a rectal advancement flap.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three patients with rectourethral fistula following prostatic surgery were treated. Two patients had an anterior partial thickness of rectal flap advancement via a trans-anal approach without urinary or faecal diversion. In one patient a rectal flap repair was performed through a posterior transsphincteric approach following urinary and faecal diversion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No significant postoperative complications occurred. Healing was successful in each patient and faecal and urinary continence was normal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Transanal rectal advancement flap is a simple and effective technique for the treatment of a rectourethral fistula with no need for urinary or faecal diversion.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery A, Rabin Medical Center, Petach-Tikva Sackler Medical School, Tel Aviv University, Campus Golda, 7 Keren Kayemet Street, Petach-Tikva, Israel 49372. zeevd@clalit.org.il.
authors.forename: Z
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Dreznik
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Alper
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Vishne
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ramadan
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014522:Urethral Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D014548:Urinary Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*