Accuracy of computerized tomography in the diagnosis of colovesical fistula secondary to diverticular disease.

Abstract

We reviewed 9 consecutive patients with colovesical fistula secondary to diverticulitis during a 2-year period. Preoperative evaluation included computerized tomography (CT) and a barium enema or colonoscopy in all patients (8 underwent cystoscopy). All patients subsequently underwent laparotomy with a single or multiple staged repair. Using CT criteria for diagnosis of colovesical fistulas, the study accurately predicted the presence and location of fistula in 8 patients, and was suspicious in 1. Findings at cystoscopy only diagnosed 3 fistulas and were suspicious in 4. The remaining diagnostic tests, including excretory urography, barium enema, abdominal plain films, colonoscopy and cystogram, were unremarkable except for a single cystogram and barium enema. In addition to documenting the fistula, CT provided important intraluminal and extraluminal pathological findings helpful in planning subsequent surgery. Thus, CT should be included in the initial evaluation of patients with suspected colovesical fistula.