About Rectourethral Fistula
Key Highlights
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Definitive treatment to close the abnormal connection between rectum and urethra.Resolves symptoms like fecaluria (stool in urine) and recurrent urinary tract infections.Restores normal urinary and bowel function, significantly improving quality of life.Prevents serious long-term complications such as sepsis and kidney damage.Performed using minimally invasive or open surgical techniques tailored to the individual case.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of a rectourethral fistula via imaging (e.g., fistulogram, CT scan) or cystoscopy.
- Persistent symptoms including passage of gas or stool through the urethra (fecaluria).
- Recurrent, severe urinary tract infections or epididymo-orchitis not responsive to antibiotics.
- Fistula resulting from complications of prostate surgery (e.g., radical prostatectomy), pelvic radiation, trauma, or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Failure of conservative management or smaller fistulas to heal on their own.
How to prepare
- Complete medical evaluation including imaging studies to precisely map the fistula tract.
- Bowel preparation with a clear liquid diet and prescribed laxatives or enemas to empty the colon.
- Pre-operative antibiotics to minimize infection risk.
- Temporary urinary diversion with a suprapubic or Foley catheter may be planned.
- Discussion of anesthesia risks and cessation of blood-thinning medications as advised by the surgeon.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site or within the pelvis.
- Recurrence of the fistula requiring additional surgery.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Injury to surrounding structures like nerves, potentially affecting urinary or bowel control.
- Stricture (narrowing) of the urethra or rectum.
- Persistent urinary incontinence or fecal incontinence.
- Risks associated with general anesthesia.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring, pain management, and ensuring the surgical site is healing.
- Urinary catheter will remain in place for 1-3 weeks to allow the repair to heal without pressure.
- A temporary stool softener or low-residue diet may be recommended to avoid straining.
- Strict avoidance of heavy lifting, strenuous activity, or sitting for prolonged periods for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments for catheter removal and to assess healing via imaging or examination.
- Gradual return to normal activities as approved by the surgical team, with full recovery taking several weeks to months.
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Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
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Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering rectourethral fistula in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for rectourethral fistula in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform rectourethral fistula. MediFyr helps you compare general surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for rectourethral fistula compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Rectourethral Fistula in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated general surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing rectourethral fistula.
Robert Patel, a 68-year-old retired engineer...
Robert Patel, a 68-year-old retired engineer and grandfather of four, had undergone robotic prostatectomy for prostate cancer two years prior. His recovery was initially smooth, but six months ago, he began experiencing distressing symptoms: recurrent urinary tract infections, fecal matter and gas passing through his urethra during urination, and constant urinary leakage requiring him to wear pads. He felt humiliated and withdrew from social activities, including weekly golf with friends. His urologist diagnosed a rectourethral fistula, a rare complication from his surgery, and referred him to a colorectal surgeon. The surgeon recommended a surgical repair via a transperineal approach, explaining it was necessary to close the abnormal connection. Robert underwent the complex 5-hour surgery, followed by a temporary diverting colostomy to allow the repair to heal. His hospital stay was 7 days, managing pain and adjusting to the stoma. After three months, a follow-up procedure successfully reversed the colostomy. Six months post-repair, the fistula was closed, his urinary control restored, and infections ceased. Emotionally, Robert journeyed from deep embarrassment and isolation to profound relief and regained confidence. He's back on the golf course, grateful for his restored dignity and health.
General surgeons for Rectourethral Fistula
Explore experienced general surgeons who regularly perform rectourethral fistula and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 31 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 9 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 41 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 11 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 10 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 18 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 39 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 37 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore
- 35 Years Experience
- General surgeon
Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore