Utilization of point-of-care ultrasound to evaluate for enterovesical fistula.

Enterovesical fistula formation is a relatively rare disease process although a common complication for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), notably Crohn's disease. Enterovesical fistulas most commonly arise from diverticulitis (65-80%), cancer (10-20%), or Crohn's disease (5-7%). An increasing amount of evidence supports the use of ultrasonography as the primary imaging method for the monitoring of complications in individuals with a documented history of IBD. Our case report presents a 30-year-old female with a history of Crohn's disease who presented to the Emergency Department with concern for possible enterovesical fistula formation. Using bedside gray-scale ultrasonography, a fistulous tract clearly visualizing air bubbles and fecal matter actively moving from bowel to the bladder through the fistula was visualized confirming the diagnosis of an enterovesical fistula. While CT imaging is instrumental in identifying mural and extramural complications of IBD, performing ultrasonography in patients with IBD serves as an efficient, inexpensive, and noninvasive diagnostic aid for the diagnosis of enterovesical fistula.

Stricture rate in patients after the repair of anorectal malformation following a standardized dilation protocol.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine and analyze the stricture rate in patients who underwent a PSARP or PSARVUP and followed a postoperative protocol of anal dilation (Fig. 1). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with anorectal malformation (ARM) who underwent a primary PSARP or PSARVUP from February 2016 to October 2021 was performed. Data collected included patients' demographics, type of ARM, age at the time of operation, postoperative complications, with emphasis on whether there were any strictures or any difficulties during dilations, and on follow-up. During the surgical repair, emphasis was placed on preserving the blood supply of the bowel and performing a tension-free bowel-to-skin anastomosis. RESULTS: Eighty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Forty-four patients were females: 21 recto-perineal fistula, 12 cloaca, 9 recto-vestibular fistula, one imperforate anus without fistula, and one patient had a complex anorectal and vaginal malformation with an anal stricture and a rectovaginal fistula. Forty patients were males: 14 recto-perineal fistula, 11 recto-urethral bulbar fistula, 6 recto-urethral prostatic fistula, 6 imperforate anus without fistula, and 2 bladder neck fistula. One patient had an anal stenosis with sacral agenesis, without a presacral mass. Patient ages ranged from 0 to 79 months (mean 7.5 months, median 5 months) at the time of surgery. Follow-up time ranged from 7 to 73 months (mean 38 months, median 35 months). No patient suffered of a postoperative anal stricture. Six patients suffered of a rectal prolapse that required a surgical repair. CONCLUSION: Post-operative anal stricture after PSARP and PSARVUP can be avoided with proper surgical technique and postoperative care. Namely, by preserving adequate blood supply of the bowel and avoiding tension at the anoplasty, and by adhering to a structured protocol of anal dilations.

Patient-reported urinary outcomes in adult males with congenital colorectal conditions.

PURPOSE: Long-term urinary outcomes for patients born with Hirschsprung disease (HD) and anorectal malformations (ARM) may impact their health and wellbeing into adulthood. This study describes self-reported long-term urinary outcomes in males with HD and ARM. METHODS: This was a prospective study of male patients in the Adult Colorectal Research Registry who completed surveys on urinary function between October 2019 and March 2022. Self-reported health and functional outcomes were summarized, and differences based on type of condition were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients completed the questionnaire (response rate: 59.1%), of which 17.9% (12) had HD and 82.1% (55) had an ARM. Rates of urinary incontinence and stress urinary incontinence were 16.4% (11) and 4.5% (3), respectively. On sub-analysis of patients with ARM, patients with sacral ratio (SR) of 0.4-0.69 reported higher UTI rates compared to those with SR ≥ 0.7 (57.9 vs 25.8%, p = 0.023). Renal failure rates were highest among patients with recto-bladder neck fistulas (66.0%, p = 0.012). CONCLUSION: Patients with HD and ARM report a variety of urological sequelae in adulthood. Outcomes appear to be more common in patients with ARM and may be impacted by both anatomy and sacral ratios. Transitional care to monitor and manage renal and urological function is imperative.

[Severe metabolic disorder associated with an enterovesical fistula. Report of one case]. / Trastorno grave del medio interno por fístula enterovesical, a propósito de un caso clínico.

Enterovesical fistula (EVF) is a fistulous communication between the intestine and the bladder. It is uncommon and its classic clinical manifestations are the presence of pneumaturia, fecaluria, suprapubic pain and recurrent urinary infections. Surgical repair of EVF leads to rapid correction of both diarrhea and metabolic abnormalities. We report a 73-year-old diabetic woman with a neurogenic bladder secondary to a spine meningioma. She presented with diarrhea, vomiting, impaired consciousness and metabolic acidosis. She developed hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia, which were successfully corrected.

Trastorno grave del medio interno por fístula enterovesical, a propósito de un caso clínico / Severe metabolic disorder associated with an enterovesical fistula: report of one case

Enterovesical fistula (EVF) is a fistulous communication between the intestine and the bladder. It is uncommon and its classic clinical manifestations are the presence of pneumaturia, fecaluria, suprapubic pain and recurrent urinary infections. Surgical repair of EVF leads to rapid correction of both diarrhea and metabolic abnormalities. We report a 73-year-old diabetic woman with a neurogenic bladder secondary to a spine meningioma. She presented with diarrhea, vomiting, impaired consciousness and metabolic acidosis. She developed hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia, which were successfully corrected.

Colonic Visualization of 99mTc-DMSA Due to Enterovesical Fistula.

A 60-year-old woman with recurrent urinary tract infection who had several operations for colorectal carcinoma underwent Tc-DMSA renal scintigraphy which showed an unexpected accumulation of radiotracer in the colon. When symptoms were reviewed, we noticed that she was suffering from pneumaturia and fecaluria which raised the suspicion of enterovesical fistula. Rectal contrast-enhanced computer tomography of pelvis demonstrated enterovesical and enterovaginal fistulas. Colonic radioactivity was considered to be related to retrograde peristalsis of Tc-DMSA from bladder activity via enterovesical fistula. In patients with pelvic surgeries and radiotherapy, radioactivity in the colon should raise the suspicion of enterovesical fistula.

Vesico-appendiceal fistula secondary to adenocarcinoma of the appendix: a case report and literature review.

A 50-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of recurrent urinary tract infections. She had no complaints of any intestinal symptoms. She had been treated previously with oral antibiotics. The episodes became more frequent and she started with pain in the lower abdomen and fetid urine. Complete study lead to diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the appendix with bladder fistula. The lesion was removed by laparoscopic right hemicolectomy and en bloc partial cystectomy. Pathological examination revealed a mucinous adenocarcinoma that had originated in the appendix and extended into the bladder wall. Six years after the operation, the patient remains asymptomatic with no evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease. Appendiceal carcinoma extending to the bladder is extremely rare and approximately 40 cases have been described. Management of recurrent urinary tract infections should not limit to empiric antibiotic therapy before the exclusion of possible organic causes. Appendiceal carcinoma may invade the bladder without intestinal symptoms but with urinary symptoms only, because of its anatomical position. The recommended treatment for non-carcinoid appendiceal tumours is right hemicolectomy and for T4 tumours en bloc resection of the involved structures. Further study is needed to determine adjuvant therapy. A literature review was made.

Massive hematuria due to an autogenous saphenous vein graft and urinary bladder fistula in an extra-anatomic iliofemoral bypass: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Gross hematuria caused by rupture of an artery in the urinary tract is a rare but potentially fatal condition. Iliac artery aneurysms, pelvic surgery with radiation, vascular reconstructive surgery, surgery for stenosis of the ureteropelvic junction, and transplantation are reported to be associated with this condition. In the vascular reconstructive surgery group, the most common etiology is rupture of the degenerated artery or synthetic graft in the ureter. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of rupture of the small anastomotic pseudoaneurysm at the proximal anastomosis of a right iliofemoral autogenous vein extra-anatomic graft in the urinary bladder. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a rupture of an autogenous vein graft in the urinary bladder. Our patient, a 24-year-old Albanian farmer, was admitted to the emergency department in severe hemorrhagic shock induced by exsanguinating hematuria. He underwent immediate surgery, during which direct sutures to the bladder were placed and the saphenous graft was replaced with a synthetic one. The patient recovered completely, was free of hematuria, and showed no signs of pathological communication between the urinary and arterial tracts on postoperative cystoscopy and computed tomographic angiography during 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The incidence of artery-to-urinary tract fistulas is growing due to the increasing use of urologic and vascular surgery, pelvic oncologic surgery, and radiation therapy. In addition to fistulas involving a degenerated artery and ureter or synthetic grafts and ureter, they can also involve an autogenous vein graft and the urinary bladder. In our patient, the fistula was a result of erosion of the bladder from a pseudoaneurysm at the proximal anastomosis of an autogenous vein iliofemoral bypass in an extra-anatomic position. Open surgery remains the best treatment option, although there is increasing evidence of successful endovascular treatment.

Appendicovesical fistula presenting as hypokalaemic hyperchloraemic metabolic acidosis: a case report.

A 52-year-old man was admitted with diarrhoea and faecaluria and referred recurrent urinary tract infections for over 20 years. He also reported a two-week hospital admission more than 20 years ago for right iliac fossa pain, which was managed conservatively. Computed tomography showed a fistulous tract extending from the bladder with an unclear connection to the bowel. Cystoscopy confirmed the presence of a vesical fistula and biopsy of the tract confirmed colonic mucosa. Flexible sigmoidoscopy was negative. A cystogram was requested as an outpatient procedure and the patient was discharged after antibiotic treatment. A few days after discharge the patient was readmitted as an emergency to critical care for severe hyperchloraemic hypokalaemic acidosis and a Glasgow Coma Score of 6/15. He was intubated and ventilated and his metabolic derangement was treated. As soon as his conditions improved, he underwent emergency laparotomy, which revealed the presence of a fistula between the caecal fundus and the bladder. The fistula was repaired and the patient recovered swiftly and completely and was discharged on postoperative day 5. At 12-month follow up the patient was completely symptoms-free, his bowel habits were normal and he has not had any urinary infection. Appendicovesical fistula is a rare and potentially lethal condition due to its metabolic consequences. Past history of right iliac fossa pain treated conservatively, diarrhoea and recurrent urinary tract infection must raise suspicion.

Tethered cord in children with anorectal malformations with emphasis on rectobladder neck fistula.

PURPOSE: To find the incidence of tethered cord (TC) in patients with anorectal malformations (ARM) and to determine the relationship between bowel/urinary control and TC in a subset of patients with rectobladder neck fistula (RBNF). METHODS: The database of a tertiary medical center was retrospectively collected for all patients treated for ARM from 1980 to 2012. All patients with TC and RBNF were identified. RESULTS: Among 790 patients, who underwent screening for TC, 285(36%) were diagnosed with TC. Eleven of 37 screened patients with RBNF were diagnosed with TC. The median follow-up period was 49 months (range 2-222 months). TC was diagnosed in 3/18(16.6%) patients with sacral ratio (SR) ≥ 0.7; 4/12(33.3%) with SR 0.41-0.69; and 4/7(57.1%) patients with SR 0-0.4. The association of TC in RBNF patients had a negative influence in the prognosis for bowel and urinary control. CONCLUSION: The incidence of TC among patients with ARM is 36%. Incidence of TC among patients with RBNF correlates with SR value and is higher with lower SR. Patients with RBNF and TC have dismal prognosis for bowel control, unrelated to their SR status. Many unresolved questions related to the management of ARM patients with asymptomatic TC still remain.

[Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome associated with vesical fistula: a case report and literature review].

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a very uncommon genetic disorder that results from the resistance of androgen receptor (AR) to androgen, which influences the formation of the male genitalia and in turn presents with female phenotype. Surgical resection of undesceaded testicle and different kinds of genitoplasty are crucial methods to correct the deformity of reproductive system, as well as hormone replacement therapy, which is an essential therapy for postoperational rehabilitation in AIS patients. A 43-year-old patient, who was socially female, was first admitted to gastroenterology department due to recurrent ascites and occasional abdominal pain with unknown origin. Taking physical examination, ultrasonography, karyotype analysis and sex hormone levels into consideration, the overall manifestations revealed the typical clinical features of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome. After that she was transferred to urology department for laparoscopic gonadectomy. During the surgery, doctors found that there was a vesical fistula on the upper wall near the conjunction between the bladder and ligamenta umbilicale medium, which explained the recurrent ascites for more than 4 years. After resecting the testicles and the tissues around the vesical fistula for histopathology, the result suggested Sertoli cell adenoma, hyperplastic Leydig cells and urothelium atypical hyperplasia. Hormone replacement therapy was given right after discharge. The hormone levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol and progesterone were modulated by the dysfunction of androgen production after gonadectomy and hormone replacement therapy together with psychotherapy could stabilize her hormone levels and improve the quality of her life. The patient was suspicious of AIS family history and the pedigree was made to analyze her family which was possibly X-linked recessive pattern. We propose three possible hypotheses of the fistula, which are direct surgical injury, recurrence of bladder cancer and congenital urachal anomalies. But whether it is relevant between urachal anomalies and AIS is yet to be discovered.

Clinical and urodynamic outcomes in children with anorectal malformation subtype of recto-bladder neck fistula.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with anorectal malformations (ARMs) have a high incidence of genitourinary anomalies. Those with a recto-bladder neck fistula may represent a high-risk group, but their long-term urologic outcomes are poorly described. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and urodynamic outcomes in a large cohort of patients with an ARM subtype of recto-bladder neck fistula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients who had been treated for a recto-bladder neck fistula at the present institution since 2007. The primary outcomes were the ability to achieve urinary continence after 4 years of age, and development of a mildly decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) or worse (<89 ml/min/1.73 m2). Continence was defined as the ability to store urine for 3-4 h during the day and 8 h overnight without leakage. RESULTS: Demographic and clinical data are provided in the Summary Table. The most recent urodynamic findings included the presence of detrusor overactivity in 30 (75%) patients, median leak point pressure of 56.0 cmH2O (range, 14-140), median functional cystometric capacity at 40 cmH2O of 125.5% age-expected capacity (range, 36-473%), and median maximum cystometric capacity of 131.0% age-expected capacity (range, 44-473%). A mildly decreased GFR or worse developed in 13 (24%) patients. Of the 52 (78%) patients who were followed by pediatric urology at the present institution with a median follow-up of 30.9 months (range, 0.0-86.8), 35 (67%) were at least 4 years of age and could be assessed for continence. Continence was achieved in five (14%) patients voiding spontaneously and 15 (43%) performing CIC. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) (OR 0.70, P = 0.006) were an independent predictor of incontinence, while urethral anomalies (OR 1.40, P = 0.03) were an independent predictor of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on multiple logistic regression analysis. DISCUSSION: The findings favorably compared with other studies, but were more robust due to the size of the cohort and breadth of urologic evaluation. Limitations included the retrospective design at a single institution. Incomplete clinical data and misclassification of continence may have lead to bias. CONCLUSIONS: This large cohort of patients with an ARM subtype of recto-bladder neck fistula had a high incidence of genitourinary anomalies. They were rarely able to achieve continence with spontaneous voiding alone and were at risk of developing CKD, both of which were likely multifocal in origin. Long-term urologic follow-up is warranted for patients with a recto-bladder neck fistula.

A Systematic Review Assessing Medical Treatment for Rectovaginal and Enterovesical Fistulae in Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Rectovaginal and enterovesical fistulae are difficult to treat in patients with Crohn's disease. Currently, there is no consensus regarding their appropriate management. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of the study was to review the literature on the medical management of rectovaginal and enterovesical fistulae in Crohn's disease and to assess their response to treatment. METHOD: A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, and Cochrane was performed. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were identified, reporting on 137 rectovaginal and 44 enterovesical fistulae. The overall response rates of rectovaginal fistulae to medical therapy were: 38.3% complete response (fistula closure), 22.3% partial response, and 39.4% no response. For enterovesical fistulae the response rates to medical therapy were: 65.9% complete response, 20.5% partial response, and 13.6% no response. Specifically, response to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy of 78 rectovaginal fistulae was: 41.0% complete response, 21.8% partial response, and 37.2% no response. Response of 14 enterovesical fistulae to anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy was: 57.1% complete response, 35.7% partial response, and 7.1% no response. The response to a combination of medical and surgical therapy in 43 rectovaginal fistulae was: 44.2% complete response, 20.9% partial response, and 34.9% no response. CONCLUSIONS: Medical therapy, alone or in combination with surgery, appears to benefit some patients with rectovaginal or enterovesical fistula. However, given the small size and low quality of the published studies, it is still difficult to draw conclusions regarding treatment. Larger, better quality studies are required to assess response to medical treatment and evaluate indications for surgery.

Vesicosalpingo Fistula: A Case Presentation And Review of The Literature.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a case presentation and perform a review of the literature on vesicosalpingo fistulas. METHODS: An otherwise healthy 32 year-old patient was referred to urology with symptoms of persistent abdominal bloating and urine leakage from the vagina after abdominal conversion of laparoscopic hysterectomy. Two fistula tracts were identified in the bladder during preoperative cystoscopy. The tracts were cannulated with temporary ureteral catheters, and the patient underwent a robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair of a vesicosalpingo and a vesicovaginal fistula. RESULTS: The patient was discharged on the first postoperative day with an indwelling urinary catheter. A follow-up cystogram performed on the 14th postoperative day demonstrated no evidence of extravasation. There was no evidence of recurrence at a 4-month follow-up visit. This is the first reported robot-assisted laparoscopic repair of a vesicosalpingo fistula and the fifth reported case of a vesicosalpingo fistula in the literature. This is the first reported case of separate vesicosalpingo and vesicovaginal fistulas presenting concurrently in a single patient. CONCLUSIONS: This case presentation with 2 separate fistula tracts emanating from the bladder demonstrates the need to meticulously evaluate each individual fistula tract in order to successfully visualize and address all fistula tracts present in order to mitigate failures and the need for reoperation.

Laparoscopic surgery of benign entero-vesical or entero-vaginal fistulae.

PURPOSE: Entero-vesical or entero-vaginal fistulae (EVF) are an uncommon septic complication mainly of diverticular disease. The fistulae are usually situated within extensive and dense inflammatory masses occluding the entrance of the pelvis. There are still some controversies regarding laparoscopic feasibility and treatment modalities of this disorder. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients with EVF operated at our department since 2008. Patients were identified by use of the computerized hospital information system. RESULTS: In nineteen patients (ten males), median age 68 years, 13 patients had entero-vesical fistulae, and 6 patients had entero-vaginal fistulae. The fistulae were caused by complicated diverticular disease in 16 patients (84 %), Crohn's disease (two patients), and ulcerative colitis (one patient). All cases were attempted laparoscopically. Operative treatment involved separation of the inflammatory mass and resection of the affected colorectal segment. There were three conversions (16 %), all three requiring bladder repair considered too extensive for laparoscopic means. In two further patients small bladder defects were sutured laparoscopically, the remaining patients required no bladder repair. The inferior mesentric artery (IMA) was preserved in all cases. Median operative time was 180 min. Two patients received a protective ileostomy: one converted patient and one cachectic patient with Crohn's disease under immune-modulating therapy. Both ileostomies were closed. Altogether, there were five complications in five patients (26 %), four of them were minor (Clavien grade I and II). The cachectic patient with Crohn's disease suffered a major (grade IIIb) complication (stoma prolapse, treated by early closure of the ileostomy). There was no anastomotic leakage and no mortality. Median hospital stay was 12 days. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach is a safe option for the treatment of EVF of benign inflammatory origin. In most cases it offers all the advantages pertaining to minimally invasive surgery. For a definite and causal approach, the disorder belongs primarily within the therapeutic domain of the visceral surgeon. Following the separation of the inflammatory colon, most of the bladder lesions caused by EVF will heal without further surgical measures.

[Vesicoappendiceal Fistula: A Case Report].

A 65-year-old man had been aware of pieces of food occasionally in the urine since February 2008. In November 2010, he came to an outpatient clinic with high fever and cloudy urine and was diagnosed with urinary tract infection. Because he had fecaluria, interconnection between urinary bladder and digestive tract was suspected. Although excretory urography showed no remarkable findings, an outflow of contrast media into the appendix was demonstrated in the cystography. By cystoscopy, the fistula hole was confirmed on the posterior wall of the bladder and inflow of feces from the hole was noticed. Operation was performed under the diagnosis of vesicoappendiceal fistula. The appendix was adhesive to the ileum, the right side of the bladder and the upper side of the rectum, and an en bloc resection was performed. Because the fecalith existed near the fistula, appendicitis appeared to induce inflammatory change and abscess formation around the appendix, and the abscess might have perforate into the bladder.