Salpingo-ureteric fistula-A rare complication following laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer: A case report and literature review

Introduction: We report the management and outcome of the case of a 57-year old woman with adenocarcinoma of the rectum. Following neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy and laparoscopic-assisted anterior resection of her tumour she developed a right salpingo-ureteric fistula.

Presentation of case: Three weeks following laparoscopic anterior resection of the tumour she presented with urinary frequency and incontinence. A ureteric stent was inserted and left in-situ for five months but the fistula did not heal. The patient underwent exploration and open repair of the salpingo-ureteric fistula which resolved her symptoms.

Discussion: There have not been many reported cases in the literature of salpingo-ureteric fistulae but after initial trial of management with ureteric stents all eventually required open exploration and repair.

Conclusion: we advocate open repair of salpingo-ureteric fistulae as the definitive management following intra-operative injury.