Colo-vesical fistula: Complete healing without surgical intervention

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Urology

Background:

• Colo-vesical (CV) fistulae are the most common type of fistula linked to diverticular disease.
• Surgical intervention is typically considered essential for healing CV fistulae.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a unique case of a CV fistula that healed with conservative management alone.
• To challenge the conventional surgical approach for CV fistulae.

Main Methods:

• Case report of a 62-year-old male patient.
• Diagnosis of CV fistula post-reversal of Hartmann's procedure.
• Treatment with conservative management.

Main Results:

• The CV fistula demonstrated clinical and radiological evidence of spontaneous healing.
• Successful resolution of the fistula without surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

• Conservative management should be considered as a viable option for CV fistulae.
• This case represents the first documented instance of spontaneous CV fistula healing without surgery.