Seminal Vesicle-Rectal Fistula: A Review of an Unusual Complication Following Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer

Steven Dixon, Iain JD McCallum, Chris Dennison and Mark Katory

Department of Colorectal Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, UK
Department of Radiology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, UK
Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, UK

^*Correspondance to: Mark Katory 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.1136

Abstract

Introduction: Low anterior resection is the commonest operation in the United States of America undertaken for low rectal cancers. Seminal vesicle-rectal fistula is an extremely uncommon complication of this operation. The objective of this literature review is to investigate risk factors that lead to the development of seminal vesicle-rectal fistula; clinical presentation; and investigation and management options.Methods: There were 9 articles of relevance which reported a total of 12 cases of seminal vesiclerectal fistula. All other iatrogenic or cryptogenic fistula was excluded.Results: 12 cases were identified in the literature, and we describe 1 further case. Pneumaturia and fever were presenting symptoms in 10 of 13 cases. 69.2% (n=9) of cases presented within 2 weeks of the procedure. CT was the investigation of choice in 9 of 13 cases. A variety of surgical and conservative management plans were utilized. Conservative management was successful in 46.1% (n=6) of cases.Discussion: This study provides the first concise review of seminal vesicle-rectal fistula following low anterior resection and also adds a further case. It is also the first article of its kind to recommend a treatment algorithm which consists of a trial of conservative management.

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Cite the article

Dixon S, McCallum IJD, Dennison C, Katory M. Seminal Vesicle-Rectal Fistula: A Review of an Unusual Complication Following Low Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer. Clin Surg. 2016; 1: 1136.