Vesicocutaneous fistulas (VCF) are a rare complication of radical radiotherapy to the pelvis.
Timely diagnosis and management are often difficult and complex. We report the unusual case of a 64-year-old gentleman who presented to the emergency department with worsening sepsis and profuse discharge from a cutaneous opening in the left groin. This presentation was 6 weeks following the completion of external beam radiotherapy for apical margin-positive prostate cancer (pT3a). A diagnosis of a VCF was confirmed after CT scanning of the abdomen and pelvis with contrast. Urinary diversion was achieved by a temporary urethral catheter insertion. Full resolution of this gentleman's symptoms was accomplished. In this article, we present a non-invasive approach to the management of VCF. This case raises intricate management issues in the atypical development of an early urinary tract fistula postradiotherapy.
Written by:
Hennessey DB, Bolton E, Thomas AZ, Lynch TH. Are you the author?
Department of Urology, Craigavon Area Hospital, Portadown, UK.
Reference: BMJ Case Rep. 2013 Apr 25;2013. pii: bcr2013008986.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-008986
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23625668
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