Clifton, NJ
201-201-3456
Book Now

Treatment in Clifton, NJ

Urethral Fistula Repair

Restore Healthy Urinary Function

Introduction to Urethral Fistula Repair

A urethral fistula is an abnormal connection involving the urethra and another part of the body, such as the skin. It can lead to urinary concerns such as incontinence and urinary tract infections. These fistulas can develop for different reasons, such as radiation, prior surgery, and urethral stricture disease. Their location and complexity can vary from patient to patient.

At East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ, Dr. Karl Coutinho evaluates and treats urethral fistulas using an individualized reconstructive approach. The appropriate treatment depends on factors such as the fistula’s location, cause, previous treatment, and surrounding tissue.

Dr. Coutinho welcomes patients from throughout the greater New York metropolitan area who require evaluation for complex urologic and reconstructive conditions.

Urethral Fistula Repair-intro

What Is Urethral Fistula Repair?

Urethral fistula repair is reconstructive surgery performed to close an abnormal opening involving the urethra. The procedure can vary depending on the fistula’s location, size, cause, surrounding tissue, and whether previous repairs have been performed.

During surgery, Dr. Coutinho addresses the fistula and reconstructs the affected tissue using a technique selected for the individual condition. Some repairs may require additional tissue to “patch” the opening in the urine channel, or reconstructive techniques such as creating flaps or transferring adjacent tissue to support the surgical area.

Dr. Coutinho will determine the appropriate approach after evaluating the fistula and reviewing your medical and surgical history.

Related Reconstructive and Urologic Care

Patients with a urethral fistula may have other urinary or reconstructive concerns that also require evaluation. Dr. Coutinho can assess these conditions and determine whether additional or separate treatment may be appropriate.

Urethroplasty is reconstructive surgery used to repair a urethral stricture. If the urethra is also narrowed, Dr. Coutinho can evaluate the affected area and determine whether additional reconstruction may be needed.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Urethral Fistula Repair?

The need for surgical repair depends on the type of fistula and the findings from your evaluation. Dr. Coutinho will consider its location, possible cause, previous treatment, surrounding tissue, and your overall health when determining whether reconstruction may be appropriate.

Patients evaluated for urethral fistula repair may have:

  • Urine passing through an abnormal opening
  • A fistula that has persisted over time despite urinary diversion or Foley catheter placement
  • A recurrent fistula following previous treatment
  • A fistula related to trauma, infection, or previous surgery
  • Irritation or other concerns involving the affected area

What Are the Benefits of Urethral Fistula Repair?

Urethral fistula repair addresses the abnormal opening and reconstructs the affected area of the urethra. Treatment goals depend on the fistula’s location, complexity, and the symptoms it causes.

Potential benefits may include:

  • Addressing urine leakage through the fistula
  • Repairing tissue affected by the abnormal opening
  • Reducing irritation associated with urine reaching surrounding tissue
  • Reducing the risk of urinary tract infections
  • Reconstructing the affected portion of the urinary tract
Professional businessman in suit and glasses smiling while using digital tablet in modern office setting - in Clifton, NJ

How to Begin Your Urethral Fistula Repair Journey

Evaluation begins with a consultation with Dr. Coutinho at East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ. Because fistulas vary considerably in location, size, cause, surrounding tissue, and prior treatment, the reconstructive plan is individualized.

Your evaluation may include:

  • Discussing your symptoms and medical history
  • Reviewing previous surgeries and treatments
  • Examining the affected area
  • Completing any additional testing procedures such as cystoscopy, retrograde urethrogram, exam under anesthesia, or additional imaging.
  • Discussing possible reconstructive approaches
  • Reviewing what to expect before and after surgery
  • Receiving personalized instructions for preparing for treatment

What to Expect on the Day of Urethral Fistula Repair

Before surgery, Dr. Coutinho and the care team will review your reconstructive plan and answer any remaining questions. Anesthesia is used during urethral fistula repair, with the specific approach determined by your procedure and individual needs.

During surgery, Dr. Coutinho identifies the fistula, excises the fistula tract, and reconstructs the affected area utilizing a variety of reconstructive techniques that are tailored to your condition. The extent of surgery can vary depending on the fistula’s location and complexity and whether additional tissue is required for reconstruction.

Afterward, you will receive instructions regarding wound care, medications, activity, urinary care, and follow-up. If a catheter is needed, Dr. Coutinho will provide care instructions and explain when it may be removed.

Smiling mature man with gray beard in white sweater standing confidently next to black ladder in bright modern interior - in Clifton, NJ

Urethral Fistula Repair Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Urethral Fistula Repair Care

Recovery after urethral fistula repair will depend on the location and complexity of the fistula and the reconstructive technique used. Dr. Coutinho will provide instructions based on your specific procedure and the needs of the repaired area.

A urinary catheter may be required during the healing period. If one is used, you will receive instructions for catheter care and follow-up. Additional evaluation may also be performed before the catheter is removed.

Dr. Coutinho will provide guidance for the healing period based on the type of reconstruction performed. Follow-up visits allow him to evaluate the repaired area and make any necessary adjustments to your postoperative care.

How Much Does Urethral Fistula Repair Cost in New Jersey?

The cost of urethral fistula repair will depend on the complexity of the condition and the reconstructive approach required. Medical insurance generally covers the procedure. After Dr. Coutinho completes your evaluation and develops a surgical plan, our team can provide additional information about the anticipated costs of your care. Insurance benefits vary by plan. The office can help review your coverage and explain any financial responsibility you may have before surgery.

Why Choose Dr. Coutinho?

Dr. Karl Coutinho is a fellowship-trained reconstructive urologist with advanced training in genitourinary trauma and urethral reconstruction. Urethral fistulas often occur in tissue that has already undergone surgery, infection, radiation, trauma, or previous reconstruction, so successful planning requires careful evaluation of both the opening itself and the health of the surrounding urethra and soft tissue.

Dr. Coutinho’s academic work includes published research in urethral stricture disease and reconstructive urology, including participation in randomized clinical trials of treatments for recurrent urethral narrowing. His reconstructive practice includes urethroplasty, tissue grafting, adjacent tissue transfer, and repair of complex urinary fistulas. The specific repair is individualized; some fistulas can be closed primarily, while others require grafts, flaps, staged reconstruction, or treatment of an associated urethral stricture.

pub-banner-overlay

Urethral Fistula Repair FAQ’S

Related Content

Urethroplasty

Inflatable Penile Prosthesis

Peyronie’s Disease

Patient Reviews

  • My surgery was life changing and the recovery period was better than I ever expected. I would highly recommend Dr Coutinho , he is the best.

    View Gallery Claude R.

  • I had an outstanding experience with Dr. Coutinho and their entire urology team. They truly go above and beyond.

    View Gallery Jenney S.

  • Dr Karl Coutinho is an excellent doctor in his field. He made me feel whole again after doing two procedures for me.

    View Gallery Keith A.

  • I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic

    I’ve never met a doctor so empathetic, professional and Knowledgeable Dr Coutinho performed a very difficult surgery on me. I had absolutely no pain.

    View Gallery
Patient Reviews

East Coast Advanced Urology

Schedule Your Consultation

If you have been diagnosed with a urethral fistula or have concerns about an abnormal opening involving the urinary tract, schedule a consultation with Dr. Karl Coutinho at East Coast Advanced Urology in Clifton, NJ. He can evaluate your condition and discuss whether reconstructive treatment may be appropriate.

Dr. Coutinho welcomes patients from throughout the greater New York metropolitan area. Call today to schedule your consultation.

Contact Us