Rectal flap advancement - a simple and effective approach for the treatment of rectourethral fistula

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. Patients 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 occured. Healing was successful in each patient and faecal and urinary continence was normal. Conclusion 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.