[Vesico-appendiceal fistula caused by appendiceal cancer: a case report].

A case of vesico-appendiceal fistula caused by appendiceal cancer is reported. A 37-year-old male was admitted with the chief complaint of suspended dust in the urine. Under cystoscopy, a tumor (1 cm diameter) was found in the right posterior wall of the bladder. Transurethral resection of the bladder tumor was performed. The pathological outcome was intestinal metaplasia without malignancy. Preoperative abdominal computed tomography suggested vesico-appendiceal fistula, retrospectively. Therefore, appendectomy with partial cystectomy was attempted. However, the appendix was adhered to the sigmoid mesocolon, therefore, appendectomy, partial cystectomy, and sigmoid colectomy were performed. We diagnosed the tumor as mucinous adenocarcinoma. The patient has been receiving adjuvant chemotherapy with tegafur-gimeracil-oteracil potassium for 17 months, because he refused right hemicolectomy. There was no evidence of recurrence after 58 months of follow-up. Vesico-appendiceal fistula caused by appendiceal cancer is very rare. Our case is the 21st case reported in Japan.

[Clinical study of enterovesical fistulas].

We conducted a retrospective review of 16 patients who were diagnosed with enterovesical fistula in our hospital between January 2000 and July 2013. The patient's median age was 74 years old and 4 were female. Most of the chief complaints were pneumaturia and fecaluria. There was a vesicosigmoidal fistula in 12 patients, an ileovesical fistula in 2, and a rectovesical fistula in 2. The main underlying cause was diverticulitis in 9 patients and a sigmoid colon carcinoma in 3. Diagnoses were made based on the findings of cystoscopy, barium enema, abdominal computed tomography and so on. Treatment varied in each case depending on the etiology and the patient's condition. The procedure was mostly open surgery, but laparoscopic sigmoidectomy was performed preserving the bladder in the two most recent cases.

[A case of sigmoid colon cancer with a sigmoidovesical fistula treated with preoperative XELOX+bevacizumab therapy and urinary bladder-conserving surgery].

A 64-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, diarrhea, urinary pain, and frequent urination.He was diagnosed with locally advanced sigmoid colon cancer accompanied by a sigmoidovesical fistula, which was determined to require total cystectomy for curative resection.Expecting tumor shrinkage and conservation of the urinary bladder, we performed loop ileostomy followed by preoperative mFOLFOX6+bevacizumab therapy.After 1 course of administration, the implanted port became infected.Therefore, the regimen was changed to 4 courses of XELOX+bevacizumab therapy.After the treatment, there was no longer any evidence of sigmoidovesical fistula.We performed a urinary bladder-conserving sigmoidectomy and finally achieved pathological curative resection.After adjuvant chemotherapy, no findings suggestive of recurrence were noted during 10 postoperative months.Preoperative XELOX+bevacizumab therapy may be worth considering as a therapeutic option for conserving the urinary bladder in cases of locally advanced colon cancer.

[Rectovesical fistula as a complication to endoscopic vacuum treatment of a chronic presacral cavity]. / Rektovesikal fistel som komplikation i forbindelse med endoskopisk vakuumbehandling af kronisk præsakral kavitet.

A 66-year-old male who underwent Hartmann's operation for rectal cancer developed a pelvic abscess treated with late onset endoscopic vacuum (endo-VAC). He developed a fistula from the abscess to the bladder. The literature does not support prolonged or late onset endo-VAC to treat chronic pelvic abscesses. There is only evidence for early treatment of the presacral abscess. To prevent fistula formation during endo-VAC, care should be taken if the abscess-cavity is close to the bladder or the sponge is in direct contact with other bowel segments. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enema can show the relation.

[Clinical observation of urinary retention after hemorrhoid and fistula operation treated with suspen-ding moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects among moxibustion, local hot compress and infrared irradiation on urinary retention after hemorrhoid and fistula operation so as to provide the clinical evidences for the promotion and application of moxibustion. METHODS: The randomized controlled trial method was adopted to divide 60 cases of post-operative urinary retention into moxibustion group, hot compress group and infrared irradiation group, 20 cases in each group. In moxibustion group, suspending moxibustion was applied on Qihai (CV 6) and Zhongji (CV 3). In hot compress group, hot compress was applied on the bladder region above the symphysis pubis of the lower abdomen. In infrared irradiation group, MF-C701 multi-source infrared apparatus was used on the bladder region above the symphysis pubis of the lower abdomen. One intervention therapy was administered for the cases of post-operative urinary retention. The efficacy was assessed based on the numbers of urethral catheterization indwelled in 24 h after treatment. RESULTS: There were 2 cases (10.0%) with urethral catheterization in moxibustion group, 10 cases (50.0%) in hot compress group and 9 cases (45.0%) in infrared irradiation group. The urethral catheterization rate in moxibustion group was lower than that of the other two treatment programs (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion can reduce much effectively the rate of urethral catheterization indwelled for urinary retention after hemorrhoid and fistula operation as compared with local hot compress therapy and infrared irradiation on the lower abdomen.

Fístula colovesical de origen diverticular / Results of surgical treatment of colovesical fistulas of diverticular origin

Background: The main causes of colovesical fistulas are diverticular disease of the colon and colon carcinoma. Aim: To analyze the results of the surgical treatment of colovesical fistulas of diverticular origin. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of all patients operated for a colovesical fistula of diverticular origin. Results: From 141 patients subjected to a colon excision for diverticular disease, 18 had a colovesical fistula. The latter, compared to patients without fistulas were male in a higher proportion, were younger and had more concomitant diseases. Pneumaturia was reported in 83 percent and urine fecal soiling in 56 percent. In two thirds of patients, the fistula appeared in the absence of a diverticular crisis. Abdominal CAT sean demonstrated the fistula in 80 percent of cases. It was complemented with barium enema and cystoscopy. Excision with immediate anastomosis was the surgical procedure used in 94 percent of patients, without sequelae or relapse, after a mean follow up of 74 months. No patient died during the procedure or required a new intervention. Conclusions: Colovesical fistulas are most common in young men with associated diseases and their treatment of choice, with good long-term results, is primary excision.

Antecedentes: El objetivo de este estudio es analizar los resultados del tratamiento quirúrgico de la Fístula Coló Vesical (FCV) de origen diverticular, los que se comparan con la enfermedad diverticular no fistulizada. Pacientes y Método: Análisis retrospectivo de todos los pacientes intervenidos por una FCV de origen diverticular en forma consecutiva. Resultados: De un total de 141 pacientes resecados por una enfermedad diverticular del colon sigmoides, la indicación quirúrgica en 27 (19,3 por ciento) fue la presencia de una fístula, de las cuales 18 corresponden a una FCV. El grupo con FCV tiene predominio de hombres (p = 0,0001), más joven (p = 0,027) y con mayor incidencia de enfermedades asociadas (p = 0,0001). La neumaturia se presentó en el 83 por ciento y la fecaluria en el 56 por ciento. En dos tercios de los casos la FCV se estableció en ausencia de una crisis diverticular previa. El estudio más relevante para demostrar la presencia de una FCV fue la tomografía computada (80 por ciento), que se complementa con el enema balitado y la cistoscopia. La resección con anastomosis inmediata, más simple sutura de la vejiga fue el procedimiento empleado en el 94 por ciento de los pacientes, sin secuelas ni casos de recidiva, con un seguimiento global promedio de 74,2 meses (extremos 12-158). No hubo reoperaciones ni mortalidad operatoria. Conclusiones: la FCV de origen diverticular es una condición patológica poco frecuente que afecta a pacientes varones en la séptima década de la vida, con múltiples enfermedades asociadas y que frecuentemente se instala en forma silenciosa. La resección primaria es el tratamiento de elección con buenos resultados a largo plazo.

Fístulas colovesicales: análisis de 7 casos / Colovesical fistula: report of 7 cases

Introducción: La fístula colovesical es una comunicación anormal entre vejiga e intestino grueso. Generalmente es secundaria a una enfermedad inflamatoria o neoplásica representando un desafío tanto diagnóstico como terapéutico. Material y método: Se revisaron en forma retrospectiva los pacientes intervenidos con el diagnóstico de fístula colovesical entre agosto de 1991 y mayo de 2006, registrando su distribución por sexo, edad, etiología, sintomatología, exámenes complementarios y tratamiento quirúrgico. Todos los pacientes se estudiaron mediante tomografía axial computada (TAC), cistoscopia y enema baritado. Resultados: Se revisaron 7 pacientes, hombre/mujer 4/3, con edad promedio de 60 años (rango 42-82). En 5 pacientes (71,5 por ciento) la fístula fue secundaria a una enfermedad diverticular complicada y en 2 casos (28,5 por ciento) a neoplasia de colon. La fecaluria y la neumaturia fueron los principales motivos de consulta. En 2 casos (28,5 por ciento) el motivo de consulta fue dolor pélvico, y 2 pacientes (28,5 por ciento) consultaron por infecciones urinarias. La cistoscopia mostró el orificio fistuloso en 4 de 7 pacientes (57,1 por ciento). El enema baritado mostró la fístula en 4 de7 casos (57,1 por ciento). La TAC fue diagnosticada en 5 de 7 casos(71,4 por ciento). En los 7 casos se efectuó una hemicolectomía izquierda más cistectomía parcial. El promedio de días de hospitalización fue de 9,7 días (rango 7-12) y no se registraron complicaciones posoperatorias ni mortalidad. Conclusiones: La fístula colovesical es una patología poco frecuente. Su principal etiología es la enfermedad diverticular complicada. Fecaluria y neumaturia son signos patognomónicos. La TAC es el examen diagnóstico de elección. El tratamiento es quirúrgico, y en la actualidad se recomienda la reparación en un tiempo operatorio.

Introduction: Colovesical fistula is an abnormal comunication between the bladder and the colon. Usually it is associated with inflammatory or neoplasic disease and its management remains a challenge Material and methods: Patients with colovesical fistula that underwent repair between 1991 and 2006 were analyzed. Age, sex, etiology, clinical and imaging findings were reviewed. All patients underwent CT scan with rectal contrast. Results: Out of 7 patients (4 male) with a mean age of 60 years (range 42-82), fistula was secondary to complicated colonic diverticula and colonic tumour in 5 (71.5 percent) and 2 (28.5 percent) respectively. Fecaluria and pneumaturia were the main complains. Two patients were seen for pelvis pain and another two for urinary infections. Cystoscopy allowed for fistula identification in 4 out of 7 patients (57.1 percent). Retrograde colonography was positive in 4 out of 7 cases. CT scan showed fistula in 5 of the 7 patients (71.4 percent). All patients underwent left colectomy and partial cystectomy. Mean hospital stay was 9.7 days (range 7 to 12) there were no postoperatory complications. Conclusion: Colovesical fistula is a rare occurrence. Its main etiology is colonic diverticular disease. Fecaluria and pneumaturia are pathognomonic. CT scan is the image modality of choice. Surgical treatment is always warranted and one time repair is currently advocated.

Laparoscopic repair of rectourethral fistulas after prostate surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To present our experience with laparoscopic rectourinary fistula (RUF) repair. RUF is a rare entity that can develop after ablative or extirpative prostate surgery. Successful management often requires an aggressive approach. Several techniques have been described for surgical correction. METHODS: From October 2004 to October 2005, 3 patients were treated for RUF. The mean age was 63 years (range 58 to 68). RUF developed after open simple prostatectomy, open radical prostatectomy, and transurethral prostate resection. The operative steps were dependent on the location of the fistulous tract (bladder-prostate-urethra). When the fistula involved the prostatic capsule, the technique included capsulectomy and urethrovesical anastomosis. When the bladder was involved, a transvesical approach was used, involving dissection of the fistulous tract, closure of the rectum, tissue interposition, and bladder closure. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 247 minutes (range 230 to 270). The mean hospital stay was 2.6 days (range 2 to 3). No complications occurred. At a mean follow-up of 12 months (range 7 to 19), all patients were free of fistula recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair of RUF is feasible and represents an attractive alternative to the standard approaches. The laparoscopic technique facilitates concomitant colostomy and tissue interposition without the need for patient repositioning or an additional incision.

Diagnosis and management of colovesical fistulae; six-year experience of 90 consecutive cases.

INTRODUCTION: Colovesical fistulae are well-recognized but relatively uncommon presentation to colorectal surgery. As a result, few centres have sufficient experience in the investigation and surgical treatment of colovesical fistulae to develop clear protocols in its management. METHODS: This study examines the diagnostic and treatment pathways of 90 consecutive patients with colovesical fistulae presenting to a single surgeon, over a six-year period. Using the findings from this study and previously published data, the authors suggest tentative guidelines for the diagnosis and management of such patients. RESULTS: Pneumaturia and faecaluria were present in 90.1% of all cases. The diagnosis of colovesical fistula is predominately a clinical one, however, cystoscopy was the most accurate test to detect fistulae (46.2%) followed by barium enema (20.1%). Barium enema was the most sensitive test to detect stricture formation (70.6%). Colonic endoscopy was the most reliable means of excluding a colonic malignancy. The most common pathology was diverticular disease (72.2%), colonic carcinoma (15.3%) and Crohn's disease (9.7%). Left sided colonic resections were undertaken in 73.6% of patients, right hemicolectomy in 4.2% and defunctioning loop colostomies in 18.5%. Of the left sided resections, primary anastomosis was achieved in 92% of cases (n = 48) with one postoperative leak and no mortality. DISCUSSION: Resection and primary anastomosis should be the treatment of choice for colovesical fistulae, with an acceptable risk of anastomotic leak and mortality. Barium enema, colonic endoscopy and CT should be routine in the investigation of colovesical fistulae.

[Sigmoid colovesical fistula associated with cancer of the sigmoid colon]. / Fístuia vesico-sigmoidea asociada con cancer de colon sigmoides.

OBJECTIVES: To report one case of colovesical fistula after the diagnosis of unresponsive urinary tract infection. METHODS: The 76-year-old patient underwent a diagnostic work up including cystography, cystoscopy and barium enema. RESULTS: Cystography revealed an image of the sigmoid colon, and cystoscopy showed a granuloma at the bladder dome. A fistula was identified underneath. A colovesical fistula was diagnosed and several intestinal germs grew on urine cultures. Partial cystectomy and end to end anastomosis of the sigmoid colon were carried out. Pathology report showed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma which invaded down to the bladder mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Inflammatory diseases are the main the etiology of colovesical fistula, followed by neoplasias. We reviewed around 170 cases reported in our country. It is important to identify the fistula by means of the gastro-intestinal series and the study of the lower urinary tract when treating patients with urinary tract infection difficult to control. We suggest the best radical therapy is surgery in a single procedure.

Vesico-ileosigmoidal fistula caused by diverticulitis: report of a case and literature review in Japan.

Enterovesical fistula is a relatively uncommon complication of colorectal and pelvic malignancies, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, radiotherapy, and trauma in Asian countries. A case of vesico-ileosigmoidal fistula and a literature review of this disease in Japan are presented. A 70-yr-old male was referred with complaints of urinary pain and pneumaturia. On admission, urinary tract infection and pneumaturia were presented. A barium enema demonstrated multiple diverticulum in his sigmoid colon and the passage of contrast medium into the bladder and ileum. Under the diagnosis of vesico-ileosigmoidal fistula due to suspected diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, sigmoidectomy and partial resection of the ileum with partial cystectomy were performed. The histopathology revealed diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon with diverticulitis and development of a vesico-ileosigmoidal fistula. No malignant findings were observed. Until the year 2000, a total of 173 cases of vesico-sigmoidal fistula caused by diverticulitis had been reported in Japan. Pneumaturia and fecaluria are the most common types, presenting symptoms in 63% of the cases. Computed tomography, with a sensitivity of 40% to 100%, is the most commonly used diagnostic study. For patients with vesico-sigmoidal fistula, resection of the diseased sigmoid colon and partial cystectomy with primary anastomosis are the safest and most acceptable procedures, leading to the best results.

Vesico-ileosigmoidal Fistula Caused by Diverticulitis: Report of a Case and Literature Review in Japan

Enterovesical fistula is a relatively uncommon complication of colorectal and pelvic malignancies, diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, radiotherapy, and trauma in Asian countries. A case of vesico-ileosigmoidal fistula and a literature review of this disease in Japan are presented. A 70-yr-old male was referred with complaints of urinary pain and pneumaturia. On admission, urinary tract infection and pneumaturia were presented. A barium enema demonstrated multiple diverticulum in his sigmoid colon and the passage of contrast medium into the bladder and ileum. Under the diagnosis of vesico-ileosigmoidal fistula due to suspected diverticulitis of the sigmoid colon, sigmoidectomy and partial resection of the ileum with partial cystectomy were performed. The histopathology revealed diverticulosis of the sigmoid colon with diverticulitis and development of a vesico-ileosigmoidal fistula. No malignant findings were observed. Until the year 2000, a total of 173 cases of vesico-sigmoidal fistula caused by diverticulitis had been reported in Japan. Pneumaturia and fecaluria are the most common types, presenting symptoms in 63% of the cases. Computed tomography, with a sensitivity of 40% to 100%, is the most commonly used diagnostic study. For patients with vesico-sigmoidal fistula, resection of the diseased sigmoid colon and partial cystectomy with primary anastomosis are the safest and most acceptable procedures, leading to the best results.

Diagnosis and management of enterovesical fistulas in patients with Crohn's disease.

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations and diagnostic studies used to evaluate Crohn's patients with enterovesical fistulas (EVFs) and to assess outcome after surgical intervention. This is a ten year multi-institutional retrospective chart review of patients with Crohn's disease. Of 400 patients identified with Crohn's disease eight (2%) were diagnosed with EVF. The mean age at diagnosis was 27 years. No patients had prior surgeries for Crohn's. Duration of symptoms ranged from 6 months to 15 years. There were seven ileovesical and one colovesical fistula identified. One patient had associated perianal disease. Three had concomitant enteroenteral fistulae. Clinical features included pneumaturia in seven patients (88%), fecaluria in three (38%), hematuria in five (63%), and urinary tract infection symptoms in seven (88%). Diagnostic studies included CT scan in six, barium or gastrografin enema in four, and cystoscopy in four. Surgical therapy involved resection of the affected bowel. The bladder defect was closed primarily in two layers in all patients using absorbable suture, with omental patch in four. Two patients underwent ileostomy and one underwent colostomy, all taken down within 6 months. There were no bladder leaks and no anastamotic leaks. There were no perioperative deaths. The mean postoperative stay was nine days. The mean follow-up was 39 months. We conclude that pneumaturia is a strong clinical indicator of EVF. CT has been valuable in identifying gas within the bladder in these patients. Cystoscopy has proven useful in identifying the fistulous tract and in evaluation of the ureters. The presence of an EVF should heighten suspicion as to the presence of concomitant enteroenteral fistulae. Barium or gastrografin studies are useful in this capacity. Surgical treatment of EVFs should include resection of affected bowel. The bladder defect can safely be closed using absorbable suture.

[Diagnosis of vesico-intestinal fistulas by contrast medium enhanced 3-D ultrasound]. / Diagnostik von Harnblasen-Darm-Fisteln durch kontrastmittelunterstützte 3D-Sonographie.

AIM: Standard diagnostic tools for vesico-intestinal fistulas are cystoscopy, cystography, colonoscopy, and contrast enema. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of transrectal 3D-ultrasound with contrast media in these patients. METHOD: From 5/98 to 12/99 we examined 10 patients with symptoms of a vesico-intestinal fistula (pneumaturia, faecaluria). After placement of a transurethral catheter a transabdominal ultrasound examination (Kretz Combison 530) was performed with the bladder half full to evaluate the bladder wall. Then the bladder was filled with diluted ultrasound contrast media (Levovist 40 mg/ml) to visualize the flow from the bladder towards the fistula. To verify a flow through the bladder wall a colour Doppler sonography of the region of interest was added. To evaluate form and extent of the fistula a transrectal ultrasound with 3D-image assessment was performed. RESULTS: Using this technique it was possible to demonstrate a vesico-intestinal fistula in 9 of 10 patients. In all cases these findings were confirmed by the standard diagnostic procedures. The fistulas were caused by: bladder carcinoma (n = 1), carcinoma of the colon (n = 2), Crohn's disease (n = 3) and diverticulitis of the sigma (n = 3). One patient presented with a neovesico-intestinal fistula in an irradiated local recurrence of bladder carcinoma. In one patient with Crohn's disease whose only symptom was pneumaturia all diagnostic tools failed to provide the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: For the first time vesico-intestinal fistulas could be demonstrated by ultrasound with 3D-image assessment using contrast media. This technique might be an effective addition to the standard diagnostics of vesico-intestinal fistulas reducing the exposure to radiation.

[Dermoid cyst with thyroid follicle perforated into bladder and ileum: a case report].

A 64-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital on August 19, 1996 with the chief complaint of microscopichematuria. A solid mass was found in her lower abdomen. An abdominal CT scan suggested a large intrapelvic cystic mass and the existence of a fistulous connection between the mass and the small intestine. The existence of a fistula was confirmed by a preoperative barium enema and a cystscopic study. On September 25, 1996, a suprapubic partial cystectomy and total hysterectomy were performed since an intrapelvic abscess was suspected. The cystic mass was observed to adhere to the hollow viscus (uterus, rectum, appendix, ileum and bladder). As a result a part of the ileum and bladder were also removed with the mass. The contents of the cyst included a foul smelling gas and white-green pus. Using a probe, we found two fistulous openings to the ileum and bladder. The histopathological findings indicated a dermoid cyst of the left ovary with thyroid follicles, which are known as "Struma ovarii".

Enterovesical fistula: experiences with 41 cases in 12 years.

BACKGROUND: A retrospective analysis of enterovesical fistula treated at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital was conducted to determine the optimal diagnosis and management of this disease. METHODS: The records of 41 patients who presented from 1984 to 1996 and had a final diagnosis of enterovesical fistula were retrospectively reviewed. The etiology, symptoms on presentation, diagnostic tools, and modality of treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: The majority of these cases were associated with malignancy (38, 92.7%), and the others with diverticulitis (2, 4.9%) and iatrogenic causes (1, 2.4%). In those with malignancy, 15 patients (39.5%) were found to have tumor recurrence. The most frequent symptom in enterovesical fistula was fecaluria (58.5%), followed by abdominal pain (22%) and dysuria (14.6%). Diagnostic tools included the barium enema, cystography, and cystoscopy; these methods could identify the fistula in 63.2%, 60%, and 53.8% of the patients, respectively. Methods of management included diversion only (39%), one-stage fistula repair (36.6%), and watchful surveillance (24.4%). CONCLUSION: Enterovesical fistula should be considered if fecaluria, pneumaturia, or persistent non-specific urinary tract infection present as the initial complaint. A thorough surgery for a possible underlying malignancy is mandatory when confronted with enterovesical fistula, since the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is low in this area. An abdominal computer tomography (CT) scan, barium enema, and cystogram can be useful diagnostic tools. Treatment of this entity should be individualized according to each patients clinical status.

[The imaging diagnosis of colovesical fistulae secondary to diverticulitis]. / Diagnostica per immagini delle fistole colovescicali su base diverticolitica.

BACKGROUND: The diagnostic procedures proposed in the evaluation of sigmoidovesical fistulas complicating diverticulitis are various and their effectiveness is still not well established. METHODS: Personal experience is based on 14 cases of colovesical fistulas secondary to sigmoid diverticulitis. Several diagnostic tools were employed: plain abdominal film (10 cases), large bowel enema (12), urography (3), cystography (2), sonography (4), and CT (5). The semeiotics of these fistulas were distinguished in direct, indirect, secondary, and related to the underlying disease. RESULTS: The fistulous tract itself was recognized in 100% of the cases with sonography, in 75% with enema, in 60% with CT, in 33% with urography, and in none with cystography. Vesical gas was visible in 100% of the cases with sonography and CT, and in 40% with plain radiographs. Diffusion of contrast medium was present in 91% of the cases with enema, in 60% with CT, and in 33% with urography. Focal thickening and/or irregularity of the bladder wall was evident with cystography and urography in 67% of the cases, with CT in 60%, with sonography in 50%, with enema in 8%. Diverticulosis/diverticulitis was recognizable in 100% of the cases with CT, in 91% with enema, in 25% with sonography. A paravesical abscess was recognizable in 40% of the cases with CT, in 25% with sonography, in 8% with enema. CONCLUSIONS: The radiourological procedures, though of limited use in our series, have a poor effectiveness. Large bowel enema and, specially, CT confirm as the method with greatest accuracy in the evaluation of these fistulas. The sonographic examination, according to personal preliminary experiences, is a valuable diagnostic alternative. Sonography and CT allow analysis of the perivisceral structures and, if compared with barium enema, provide a larger number of information on diverticulitis, which is essentially an extraluminal disease, and its complications.

Appendico-ileo-vesical fistula.

Appendico-vesical fistula is a rare condition. In total, 109 cases, most secondary to appendicitis, have been reported in the English-language literature. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of appendico-ileo-vesical fistula secondary to appendiceal diverticulitis. An enterovesical fistula was diagnosed by urine culture, cystoscopy, and computed tomography. The locations of enteric opening sites were demonstrated by barium enema and colonoscopy. Ileocecal resection and fistulectomy with primary reconstruction were performed. We believe that accurate pre- and intra-operative diagnosis is essential for cure. This case demonstrates the importance of barium enema and colonoscopic examinations in the diagnosis and treatment of complicated enterovesical fistula.