Colovesical Fistula in a Kidney Transplant Patient: A Fatal Outcome

Cureus. 2024 Oct 9;16(10):e71145. doi: 10.7759/cureus.71145. eCollection 2024 Oct.

Abstract

Colovesical fistula (CVF) is a rare but potentially serious condition characterized by abnormal communication between the colon and the bladder. This pathology can result from inflammatory diseases, malignancies, or previous surgical interventions, with a significant impact on the patient's quality of life. CVF is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, particularly in immunosuppressed individuals, such as renal transplant recipients, due to their increased susceptibility to infections and surgical complications. In this case report, we describe a case of a 57-year-old male patient, a renal transplant recipient under chronic immunosuppressive therapy, who developed an enterovesical fistula. The management of CVF in transplant patients poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to optimize clinical outcomes. The relevance of this case lies in the complexity of treating a severely ill immunosuppressed patient, with few similar cases reported in the literature.

Keywords: colovesical fistula; emphysematous pyelonephritis; immunosuppression; kidney transplantation; renal abscess; urinary infection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports