[Colo-uterine fistula, a complication of sigma diverticulitis]

The colo-uterine fistula is a rare complication of diverticular disease of the colon; the literature review has shown only few well studied cases. The fistula, among the complications of the sigma diverticulitis, is 20% of the observed cases; generally, the bladder is the most involved organ, but also the skin or gut can be interested. If we consider the aetiology of the colo=uterine fistula of the observed case, the presence of the sigma locked stenosis with an endocolic pressure increase, associated with a peridiverticulitis condition, seems to have a relevant rule. The clinical symptomatology is represented by vague abdominal pain localized in particular in the left iliac cavity and by emission of blood, purulent material and stools from the vagina. The diagnosis of colo-uterine fistula is not easily reached: barium enema, Fallopian tube endoscopy and colon endoscopy not always allow to visualize in a right manner the fistula and only the oral administration of non-absorbable substances to be searched in the vaginal tampon, clear each doubt. Regarding the therapy to be carried out, we think that, colic resection en bloc with the uterus is the treatment of choice, while, in emergency, the Hartman operation is the most suitable to avoid the beginning of septic complications.