[Fistulas of the urogenital tract after radiotherapy].

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy plays a substantial role in the treatment of malignancies. More than 2/3 of all oncologic patients undergo radiotherapy during their specific treatment. Besides manifold side effects of radiotherapy, radiogenic fistulas of the urogenital tract are a potential severe complication. These fistulas might affect the female genital tract and the urinary tract.

THERAPY

Potential manifold variety of radiogenic urogenital fistulas requires a specific therapy. Radiation tissue damage includes severely disturbed local blood supply. Consequently, in some cases extremely complex reconstructive techniques are necessary to restore the functionality of the urinary tract.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of radiogenic urogenital fistulas is challenging. A successful therapy can only be achieved by local improvement of the blood supply in the damaged area.