Vesicocutaneous fistula 23 years after hip arthroplasty. A case report.

ABSTRACT

Vesicocutaneous fistula after total hip replacement is a very rare but severe complication, which can appear months or years after operation. Intrapelvic cement (methylmethacrilate) spilling, loosening and dislocation of the prosthesis and infection are believed to be the cause of fistula formation. Only 4 cases of this kind of fistula have been reported in the literature. A new case of vesicocutaneous fistula is presented. The fistula developed 23 years after arthroplasty mainly because of hip-joint infection. Urinary tract symptoms caused by urinary infection appeared only few months earlier.