A Case of Rectovesical Fistula Following Blunt Trauma in a Child

Rectovesical fistulae (RVF) are uncommon entities and usually occur after surgery for prostate, radiation, and sometimes due to penetrating trauma. However, RVF occurrence after blunt trauma to the abdomen or perineum is very rare. The management of RVF is challenging, and treatment options should be considered according to the individual. Here we present a case of a 10-year-old boy who presented with fecaluria, pneumaturia, the passage of urine per rectum, and burning micturition for four days after incurring a blunt injury to the perineum. Cystography revealed leakage of contrast material into the rectum and an MRI of the pelvis was done for confirmation, which revealed a 1.3 cm thick fistulous tract of 2.7 cm length with openings at the posterior bladder wall and anterior rectal wall. After conservative management for 14 days failed to show any improvement, primary repair of the fistulous tract along with fecal diversion and urinary diversion were done. The suprapubic catheter was removed after four weeks, and at the two-month follow-up, colostomy closure was done. No recurrence was found in the six-month follow-up period. In cases of small traumatic RVF where conservative management fails, fecal and urinary diversion can be considered, as it is associated with successful outcomes and less recurrence.