Laparoscopic treatment of appendicovesical fistula: a case report

Appendicovesical fistula is an uncommon type of enterovesical fistula and a rare complication of unrecognized appendicitis. Only 100 cases have been reported previously in the literature, the vast majority being in young male patients. Our case is that of a middle-aged woman and is the first in which the diagnosis is made and surgical treatment rendered using a laparoscopic approach. Familiarity with diagnostic laparoscopy adds a powerful tool to the evaluation of patients with difficult or unusual surgical problems. Subsequent implementation of minimally invasive techniques for surgical therapy when appropriate can significantly decrease hospitalization and convalescence.