Asymptomatic Vesicoperitoneal Fistula After Pelvic Radiation: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Vesicoperitoneal fistula (VPF) is a rare complication of pelvic radiation. Patients with VPF often present with signs and symptoms of urinary ascites. Few published reports on patients presenting with VPF for >10 years following pelvic radiation exist. This case report describes an incidentally-found VPF in a patient 12 years after pelvic radiation for cervical cancer. The patient underwent OR cystoscopy for persistent hematuria, which revealed a 3-cm hole in the bladder with protrusion of abdominal contents. Thus, this case demonstrates that VPF may present insidiously in any post-pelvic radiation patient, regardless of duration after radiation.

Keywords

• radiation cystitis
• fistula
• vesico-peritoneal fistula