Clinical Study of Surgical Cases of Colovesical Fistulas Complicating Sigmoid Diverticulitis

Abstract

［Background］Colovesical fistulas developing as a complication of sigmoid diverticulitis rarely close spontaneously, and surgery is the first-line treatment. However, no standard procedure or perioperative strategy has been established yet for this condition.［Methods］We retrospectively reviewed the data of 19 patients who underwent surgery for sigmoid colovesical fistulas developing as a complication of diverticulitis at our hospital between April 2013 and October 2024.［Results］The median age of the 19 patients, consisting of 16 male and 3 female patients, was 70 (52-87) years. Laparotomy was performed in 1 case and laparoscopy in 18 cases. Of the 18 patients who underwent radical surgery, only one patient needed partial cystectomy. The median urinary catheterization time was 7.5 (2-18) days. Postoperative complications included anastomotic leakage, urinary leakage through the fistula, ileus, wound infection, and pneumonia in one case each.［Conclusion］Laparoscopic surgery appears to be a safe and effective treatment strategy for colovesical fistulas developing as a complication of sigmoid diverticulitis.