Colovesical Fistula Causes and Symptoms
The cause of colovesical fistula is unknown. Some experts believe it could be due to an infection or other problem in the digestive tract. Others think that it is caused by a congenital defect of the colon. Still others believe that it is a complication of cancer treatments.
There are several possible symptoms of colovesical fistula. These can include:
Fever and swelling of the groin or lower abdomen
Blood in the stool
Discomfort or pain while having a bowel movement
Pain while urinating
If you have one or more of these symptoms, you may have colovesical fistula. It is important to get medical care right away if you suspect this condition.
Diagnosing Colovesical Fistula
Your doctor will likely ask you several questions about your health and your symptoms. A physical examination will be performed as well.
Tissue samples from your stool and urine may be sent to a lab for tests. This can help rule out other conditions that cause similar signs and symptoms.
Treatment for Colovesical Fistula
Colovesical fistula is usually treated with antibiotics, as well as painkillers and stool softeners. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to correct the problem.
Colovesical fistula is uncommon. It usually occurs in men between the ages of 30 and 60. It tends to run in families.
If you have a condition that causes bleeding in the colon, such as cancer of the colon or ulcerative colitis, then colovesical fistula may be a complication of that condition.
Sources & references used in this article:
Colovesical fistula. by SG Pollard, R Macfarlane, R Greatorex… – Annals of the Royal …, 1987 – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
The spectrum of colovesical fistula and diagnostic paradigm by SF Najjar, MK Jamal, JF Savas, TA Miller – The American journal of surgery, 2004 – Elsevier
Diagnosis and surgical management of colovesical fistulas due to sigmoid diverticulitis by S Melchior, D Cudovic, J Jones, C Thomas… – The Journal of …, 2009 – Elsevier
