Urinary fistulas in Crohn's disease

Sixteen patients with urinary fistulas complicating Crohn's disease are reported upon. Fifteen of the fistulas were diagnosed by a history of pneumaturia. Roentgenologic procedures used to confirm the diagnosis were of little value. Specific surgical therapy varied with the locality of the fistula but, generally, consisted of division of the fistula, resection of the involved intestine with primary anastomosis and closure of the bladder. Long term follow-up showed excellent results.