[Colovesical fistula of diverticular origin. Diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. 17 cases].

Seventeen patients presenting with diverticular colovesical fistula were treated surgically between 1975 and 1979. Any treatment of the fistula must aim at the cause--colonic diverticulitis--by resection of the colon and colorectal anastomosis. Colostomy was performed in two cases. The bladder was closed by simple suture and a urethral catheter was left in place for ten days. There were few complications, though one patient died. Pneumaturia and fecaluria are specific symptoms. Intravenous pyelography and cystoscopy are of little assistance and only a barium enema should be performed for preoperative diagnosis.