title: A Rectourethral Fistula due to Transrectal High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment: Diagnosis and Management.
abstract: Colovesical fistula (CVF) is an abnormal connection between the enteric and the urinary systems. The rectourethral fistula (RUF) is a possible but extremely rare complication of treatment of prostate cancer with "transrectal High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment." We present a case of CVF due to HIFU treatment of recurrent prostate cancer. The case was assessed with cystography completed with a pelvic CT scan-with MPR, MIP, and VR reconstruction-before emptying the bladder. Since the CT scan confirmed that the fistula involved solely the urethra and excluded even a minimal involvement of the bladder, it was possible to employ a conservative treatment by positioning a Foley catheter of monthly duration, in order to allow the urethra to rest. Still today, after 6 months, the patient is in a good clinical condition and has not shown yet signs of a recurrence of the fistula.
authors.affiliation: Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Molecular Imaging, Interventional Radiology and Radiation Therapy, University Hospital Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Fiaschetti
authors.forename: Guglielmo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Manenti
authors.forename: Isabelle
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Di Poce
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fornari
authors.forename: Aurora
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ricci
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Finazzi Agrò
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Simonetti