Immediate Urethral Reconstruction for Membranous Urethral Injury During Rectal Surgery: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION

Urethral injury, although occurring at a measurable frequency during rectal surgery, remains underrecognized by urologists.

CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old man underwent laparoscopy-assisted abdominoperineal resection for advanced rectoanal cancer. During anterior rectal dissection using electrocautery, the urethral catheter was inadvertently exposed. A partial tear of the dorsal half of the membranous urethra was directly visible through the perineal incision. The urethra was repaired in a watertight manner following standard principles of urethral reconstruction. On postoperative Day 15, retrograde urethrocystography confirmed the absence of extravasation or stricture, and the urethral catheter was removed. The patient subsequently demonstrated satisfactory voiding function.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate urethral reconstruction for injury sustained during rectal surgery can result in favorable postoperative outcomes. Awareness of this complication is essential for urologists, particularly as surgical techniques continue to evolve.