About Urethrorectal Fistula Repair
Key Highlights
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Corrects an abnormal connection between the urinary and digestive systems.Alleviates symptoms like urinary leakage through the rectum and recurrent infections.Performed by a specialized urologist, often with advanced surgical techniques.Aims to restore normal urinary and bowel function.Can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and hygiene.
Who is this surgery for?
- Congenital urethrorectal fistula (present from birth).
- Fistula resulting from complications of pelvic surgery (e.g., prostatectomy).
- Trauma to the pelvic region.
- Chronic pelvic inflammatory diseases or infections.
- Complications from radiation therapy for pelvic cancers.
- Presence of symptoms like pneumaturia (air in urine), fecaluria (stool in urine), or recurrent urinary tract infections.
How to prepare
- Complete medical history review and physical examination by the urologist.
- Diagnostic imaging such as a fistulogram, CT scan, or MRI to map the fistula tract.
- Cystoscopy and/or proctoscopy to visualize the internal openings.
- Bowel preparation (enema or laxatives) to clean the rectum.
- Pre-operative antibiotics to minimize infection risk.
- Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery as advised.
- Discussion of anesthesia options (general or regional).
Risks & possible complications
- Bleeding or hematoma at the surgical site.
- Infection of the wound, urinary tract, or pelvic area.
- Recurrence of the fistula.
- Injury to surrounding structures like the sphincter muscles, leading to incontinence.
- Stricture (narrowing) of the urethra after healing.
- Adverse reactions to anesthesia.
- Formation of an abscess.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically required for monitoring and initial pain management.
- A urinary catheter is placed for 1-2 weeks to allow the repair to heal without pressure.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications.
- A soft or liquid diet may be recommended initially to minimize strain on the repair.
- Stool softeners are often prescribed to prevent constipation.
- Avoidance of heavy lifting, strenuous activity, and sexual intercourse for several weeks.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and remove the catheter.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for initial healing, up to 3 months for full recovery
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering urethrorectal fistula repair in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for urethrorectal fistula repair in India include Miot Hospital Chennai, Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, 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 urethrorectal fistula repair. MediFyr helps you compare urologists 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 urethrorectal fistula repair compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial healing, up to 3 months for full recovery | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 4-6 weeks for initial healing, up to 3 months for full recovery | Know More |
Top hospitals for Urethrorectal Fistula Repair in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated urology teams and experience managing patients undergoing urethrorectal fistula repair.
Anika Nair, a 58-year-old retired schoolteacher,...
Anika Nair, a 58-year-old retired schoolteacher, had been living with a secret for two years. Following a difficult surgery for rectal cancer, she developed a persistent, foul-smelling discharge and recurrent urinary tract infections. She felt isolated and embarrassed, withdrawing from her beloved book club and family gatherings. Her urologist, Dr. Sharma, diagnosed a urethrorectal fistula, an abnormal connection between her urethra and rectum. He recommended a surgical repair, explaining it was the only way to stop the constant leakage and infections. Anika was terrified of another major surgery but desperate for a normal life. The robotic-assisted repair was complex but successful. Her initial recovery in the hospital was challenging, but the constant leakage had stopped. After six weeks of careful healing, her confidence slowly returned. She describes her emotional journey as 'emerging from a long, dark tunnel into the light,' and she has since reconnected with her friends and started volunteering, feeling whole again.
Urologists for Urethrorectal Fistula Repair
Explore experienced urologists who regularly perform urethrorectal fistula repair and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 6 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 26 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore
- 24 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Urologist
- 17 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 36 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Patiala, Patiala
- 16 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore
- 13 Years Experience
- Urologist
Manipal Hospital Mysore, Mysore