[Fistulas of the urogenital tract after radiotherapy]

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Fistula, radiogenic; Fistula, recto-urethral; Fistula, vesico-vaginal; Malignom; Radiation injuries.