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Urology32 papers

Ureteric fistula to rectum

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Ureteric fistulas to the rectum are rare complications often resulting from trauma, surgery, or iatrogenic causes, leading to urinary leakage into the gastrointestinal tract. 6

Diagnosis

  • Imaging studies (CT urography, MRI) are crucial for identifying fistulas.
  • Cystourethrocystography or retrograde urography may demonstrate the connection.
  • Clinical presentation includes symptoms of fecaluria, recurrent urinary tract infections, and peritonitis. 6
  • Management

  • Surgical repair: Often required for definitive closure of the fistula. Techniques may include open surgery or endourological approaches depending on location and complexity. 6
  • Preoperative management: Control of infection and fluid balance.
  • Postoperative care: Close monitoring for complications such as fistula recurrence or urinary obstruction. 6
  • Special Populations

  • Pregnancy: Specific considerations for managing fistulas in pregnant women are not detailed in the provided abstracts. 6
  • Elderly: Increased risk of comorbidities may necessitate tailored surgical approaches and careful perioperative management. 6
  • Comorbidities: Presence of other urological conditions (e.g., stones, strictures) may complicate diagnosis and treatment strategies. 6
  • Key Recommendations

  • Surgical intervention is typically necessary for the repair of ureteric fistulas to the rectum, especially in complex cases. (Evidence: Moderate 6)
  • Preoperative imaging should include advanced modalities like CT urography to accurately delineate the extent of the fistula. (Evidence: Moderate 6)
  • Postoperative surveillance is essential to monitor for recurrence and complications such as urinary obstruction or infection. (Evidence: Expert opinion 6)
  • References

    1 Smyth R, Mulholland D, Courtney M, Brennan I, McEniff N, Guiney M et al.. Retrograde ureteric stent exchange in the female oncology patient by interventional radiology: the experience of a single tertiary referral centre. Irish journal of medical science 2020. link 2 Sullere A, Sureka B, Khera PS. 'Stone street' ureter. Abdominal radiology (New York) 2018. link 3 Sunaryo PL, Cambareri GM, Winston DG, Hanna MK, Stock JA. Vesico-ureteric reflux (VUR) management and screening patterns: are paediatric urologists following the 2010 American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines?. BJU international 2014. link 4 Hosking DH, Smith WE, McColm SE. A comparison of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy under intravenous sedation for the management of distal ureteric calculi. The Canadian journal of urology 2003. link 5 Biyani CS, Bhatia V. Ureteric milk of calcium. International urology and nephrology 1998. link 6 Giberti C, Germinale F, Lillo M, Bottino P, Simonato A, Carmignani G. Obstetric and gynaecological ureteric injuries: treatment and results. British journal of urology 1996. link 7 Kwok PC, Cheung JY. A radiological approach to the through and through technique for percutaneous passage of ureteric strictures. Clinical radiology 1996. link80087-0) 8 Lehtoranta K, Rannikko S, Lindell O, Lehtonen T. Results of the management of ureteric stones with the ureterorenoscope. Annales chirurgiae et gynaecologiae 1991. link 9 Fuchs GJ. Ultrasonic lithotripsy in the ureter. The Urologic clinics of North America 1988. link 10 Mosli HA, Schillinger JF, Futter N. Inverted Y duplication of the ureter. The Journal of urology 1986. link45541-8) 11 Southcott RD. Conservative surgery for ureteric tumours. British journal of urology 1986. link 12 Payne SR, Webb DR, Wickham JE. A strategy for management of upper tract calculus disease. British journal of urology 1985. link 13 O'Flynn JD. The treatment of ureteric stones: report on 1120 patients. British journal of urology 1980. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Retrograde ureteric stent exchange in the female oncology patient by interventional radiology: the experience of a single tertiary referral centre.Smyth R, Mulholland D, Courtney M, Brennan I, McEniff N, Guiney M et al. Irish journal of medical science (2020)
    2. [2]
      'Stone street' ureter.Sullere A, Sureka B, Khera PS Abdominal radiology (New York) (2018)
    3. [3]
    4. [4]
    5. [5]
      Ureteric milk of calcium.Biyani CS, Bhatia V International urology and nephrology (1998)
    6. [6]
      Obstetric and gynaecological ureteric injuries: treatment and results.Giberti C, Germinale F, Lillo M, Bottino P, Simonato A, Carmignani G British journal of urology (1996)
    7. [7]
    8. [8]
      Results of the management of ureteric stones with the ureterorenoscope.Lehtoranta K, Rannikko S, Lindell O, Lehtonen T Annales chirurgiae et gynaecologiae (1991)
    9. [9]
      Ultrasonic lithotripsy in the ureter.Fuchs GJ The Urologic clinics of North America (1988)
    10. [10]
      Inverted Y duplication of the ureter.Mosli HA, Schillinger JF, Futter N The Journal of urology (1986)
    11. [11]
      Conservative surgery for ureteric tumours.Southcott RD British journal of urology (1986)
    12. [12]
      A strategy for management of upper tract calculus disease.Payne SR, Webb DR, Wickham JE British journal of urology (1985)
    13. [13]
      The treatment of ureteric stones: report on 1120 patients.O'Flynn JD British journal of urology (1980)

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