Management of prostatic fistulas.

Prostatic fistulas communicating with the rectum or perineal skin are unusual complications of a prostatic operation, pelvic trauma, prostatic abscess or other iatrogenic injury. A third of these fistulas may close spontaneously with proper urinary drainage and avoidance of fecal soilage. The many operative procedures described for the repair of these fistulas indicate that no ideal method of repair can be applied to every case. Operative management should be mandated by the size, location and duration of the fistula as well as by the surgeon's experience with the various anatomic approaches.