Minimally Invasive Repair of a Prostatorectal Fistula with an Over-the-Scope Rectal Clip

Background: Fistulae between the prostatic urethra and the rectum are rare. They may result from prostatic or rectal surgery. Predisposing factors are previous radiation or immunosuppression. The repair of such fistulae usually involves major surgery. Recently, clips that can be deployed over an endoscope have been developed to close gastrointestinal fistulae or access points for natural orifice surgery. We report the first case of effective treatment of a prostatorectal fistula with a rectal “over-the-scope” clip. Case Presentation: A 64-year-old man under chronic immunosuppression presented with an iatrogenic fistula between the prostatic urethra and the rectum after transurethral resection of the prostate. A transverse colostomy was placed but the fistula failed to heal conservatively. The fistula was effectively closed with an endorectal clip. Six weeks after the procedure, spontaneous micturition was started. Two weeks further, the colostomy was reversed. At 32 months of follow-up, the remains closed, micturition is unimpaired. Conclusion: In select cases of prostatorectal fistula, an endorectal clip may be effectively used for closure.