[Recto-urethral fistula secondary to prostate cancer].

OBJECTIVES

There are various treatments forprostate cancer nowadays, including techniques that have been used for manyyears such as surgery and radiotherapy, and newer procedures that are gaining prominence in the Urological field like cryotherapy or HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound). Rectourethral fistula is a rare complication that demands the urologist a great capacity; it may happen after either existent treatment.

METHODS

PubMed literature review with articles published during the last 10 years using the terms "rectourethral fistula" and "prostate cancer".

EVIDENCE SINTHESIS: We present the current situation of rectourethral fistula secondary to prostate cancer in terms of epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment, with special focus on the various types of fistulae and their management. We comment on general features in relation to surgical management of this pathology; type of approach, type of repair, use of flaps, concomitant fistula and urethralstenosis, delay of surgery and bowel diversion. We describe the surgical techniques more frequently used today and their limitations. We present the results published by different groups with each of these techniques, as well as the corresponding recommendations based on each group's experience.

CONCLUSIONS

Rectourethral fistula is a surgical challenge for the urologist. We must choose the appropriate management in accordance to the characteristics of the fistula.