Colovesical Fistula: Applicability of the Laparoscopic Approach and Results According to Etiology

Colovesical fistulae have significant morbidity. The aim of our study was to describe a case series of benign and malignant colovesical fistulae, focusing on the viability of the laparoscopic approach.

We reviewed the characteristics of 34 patients with diverticular and colon adenocarcinoma-related colovesical fistulae treated surgically from January 2001 to March 2018, 28 with elective surgery and 6 by urgent surgery. The diagnosis was established by abdominal CT scan, colonoscopy and cystoscopy. Clinically stable patients, with no retroperitoneal or bladder trigone invasion, were approached laparoscopically.

There were 13 benign cases (all of them approached by sigmoidectomy), 9 performed by laparoscopy with 3 conversions. Partial cystectomy was done in 11 cases, and in two cases conservative management with urinary catheter. Five laparoscopic approaches were performed in 21 patients diagnosed with malignant colovesical fistula, with 3 conversions and 16 laparotomies. The procedures were sigmoidectomy, left colectomy, anterior resection and pelvic exenteration. All of them required partial or total cystectomy. Sixteen patients had complications, most of which were minor (Clavien-Dindo classificationI-II) and with laparotomy approach.

The laparoscopic approach can be feasible in well-selected and stable patients, but we have to take into consideration that the conversion rate can be high and this surgery should be performed by experienced surgeons.