Conservative treatment of rectovesical fistula after leakage following laparoscopic radical resection of rectal cancer

Abstract

Rectovesical fistula (RVF) is a multifactorial complication that can be caused by different types of laparoscopic surgery, malignant tumor invasion, and chronic inflammation. However, RVF as a postoperative complication of laparoscopic radical rectal cancer is rare and serious. Here, we describe the case of a patient with RVF secondary to pelvic infection that was induced by anastomotic leakage. The patient was managed with conservative treatment, which included double-cavity cannula irrigation-drainage, indwelling balloon urethral catheter, treating the urinary tract infection, partial parenteral nutrition, and enteral nutrition. The patient was discharged after his symptoms had improved. In this case report, we provide a feasible scheme for patients with RVF that is induced by postoperative anastomotic fistula. Inflammatory, infectious, and thrombotic factors are presumable factors that are involved in RVF pathogenesis. These findings provide new directions for the study of RVF induced by anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. Conservative treatment may be an option in patients who want to avoid an ostomy.