Rectourethral fistula following focal irreversible electroporation for prostate cancer

Abstract

A man in his 50s presented 4-week postirreversible electroporation (IRE) for low-to-intermediate risk prostate cancer with urinary symptoms, diarrhoea and passing fluid per rectum when urinating. Urine microscopy and sensitivities showed raised leucocytes, erythrocytes and pansensitive Escherichia coli. A CT cystogram revealed a rectourethral fistula (RUF). Urinary diversion with insertion of an indwelling catheter for 6 weeks was performed. A rigid cystoscopy 6 weeks after urinary diversion revealed that the fistula was still present, confirmed by intraoperative contrast. The fistula was repaired with diathermy and a fibrin glue. The patient reported resolution of urinary and bowel symptoms. This is the first case report in the literature of an RUF following IRE for prostate cancer. It is important to report these rare complications as novel treatments become more common across the world.Background