The Use of Tissue Flaps in the Management of Urinary Tract Fistulas

Urinary tract fistulas represent a complex group of pathologies that present significant management challenges. While most such fistulas ultimately require definitive surgical management, compromised local tissue quality or other factors often render straightforward simple one layered closure challenging with a substantial risk of failure. Interpositional tissue flaps have become a mainstay of treatment in these circumstances, enabling the delivery of healthy tissue from other locations to the site of pathology. Herein, we present an overview of the assessment and management of complex urinary tract fistulas involving the reproductive and gastrointestinal organs, and the decision to utilize flaps. We review the underlying principles of tissue flaps and classify different types of flaps. We conclude with a discussion of the indications, advantages, disadvantages, and harvesting techniques for the most commonly utilized flaps in urinary tract fistula repair.