AUTHOR REPLY

Abstract

We appreciate the opportunity to present our data supporting definitive repair of rectourethral fistula (RUF) and the positive subsequent impact on quality of life. At our high volume reconstruction center, a single urologist and colorectal surgeon have been managing RUF patients for the past decade in an effort to maximize surgical outcomes via a team approach for this rare diagnosis. We have been aggressive in advocating transperineal rectal sphincter-preserving RUF surgery unless there are precluding issues, such as bladder capacity and/or compliance problems that would impact postsurgical voiding health. Close follow up for all patients has been pursued regardless of their distance from our medical center with enlistment of the referring urologist, when necessary, for surveillance cystoscopy as a means to better understand surgical outcomes. To date, quality of life assessment has been limited to the postoperative period; however, we have begun using preoperative PROMs to further improve our ability to detect changes pre and/or post surgery.