Colovesical Fistula Treatment in Kansas City
A colovesical fistula is an open connection between the colon and the bladder. A thick wall of tissue normally separates the two. The opening allows fecal matter to pass into the bladder. This is a relatively uncommon occurrence.
At Colorectal Surgical Associates we offer the most up-to-date care for patients and will take the necessary steps to determine your colorectal health and wellness. If you are experiencing symptoms of colovesical fistula, please call (816) 941-0800 to meet with our colorectal surgeons for screening and treatment today. We have four convenient locations for patients located in Kansas City, including Gladstone, Overland Park, Independence, and Lee’s Summit.
Causes
More than two-thirds of colovesical fistula cases result from diverticular disease. Other causes include:
- Colorectal cancer
- Inflammatory bowel disease, especially Crohn’s disease
- Surgery involving the colon or bladder
- Cancer of surrounding organs
- Radiation therapy
Symptoms
Symptoms result from the passage of fecal matter into the bladder. These include:
- Bubbles in the urine
- Brownish or cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine
- Painful or burning urination
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Sepsis and even death
Diagnosis
CT scans can reliably diagnose colovesical fistula. Other diagnostic procedures are:
- Cystoscopy – Inserting a camera into the bladder.
- Barium enema – Allowing a special camera to see the soft tissue in the colon in greater detail.
Treatment
A colovesical fistula is treatable with surgical removal of the fistula. The cause, severity, and location of the fistula determine the type of surgery. Since it is often located between the sigmoid colon (last section of the colon) and bladder, the surgery involves the removal of part of the sigmoid colon. Our specialists use minimally invasive surgery for more precision, faster recovery, less pain, and fewer complications. We either perform the surgery laparoscopically or use Da Vinci robotic surgery.