[Rectourethral fistulae: diagnosis and management. Review of the literature]

Introduction: Rectourethral fistulae are predominantly of iatrogenous origin. They alter the patient's quality of life and are difficult to manage from a medical standpoint.

Patients and methods: The major series of patients of the last 20 years have been analyzed, in order to define the best management of rectourethral fistulae.

Results: Many surgical techniques have been tried, as well as several protocols, ranging from simple urinary and fecal diversion to diversion followed by reconstruction and regional flap in case of tissue damage.

Conclusion: The fistula's cause and the use of radiotherapy had a major impact on its prognosis. The best-suited protocol was the 3-step protocol, which has been described within. The flap, which seemed to have the best results, was the gracilis muscle flap.