A case of recto-urethral fistula following MRI-guided transurethral ablation (TULSA) of the prostate

Abstract

We describe the first case of a recto-urethral fistula following an MRI-guided transurethral prostate ablation procedure (TULSA). The patient experienced urine per rectum six weeks after the procedure. A voiding cystourethrogram confirmed the presence of a recto-urethral fistula, which was managed with a urethral catheter and a suprapubic tube. Patient was then asymptomatic, with spontaneous healing of the fistula and catheters removed after six weeks. Not previously reported following TULSA, rectourethral fistula is a rare but known complication with other focal therapy modalities. Awareness of this potential complication will help improve patient counseling, early detection and adequate management of this rare complication.

Keywords

• Prostate cancer
• Focal therapy
• Ablation
• Recto-urethral fistula