Vesicocolic Fistula Treatment in India

Aadya Garcia, a 58-year-old retired school...

Aadya Garcia, a 58-year-old retired school librarian, had been managing diverticulitis for years. Her life took a distressing turn when she began experiencing recurrent, foul-smelling urinary tract infections and noticed small bits of what looked like plant matter in her urine. She was deeply embarrassed and confused, initially attributing it to poor hygiene. After a particularly severe UTI led to sepsis, a CT scan revealed the culprit: a vesicocolic fistula, a tunnel connecting her colon and bladder, caused by a chronic diverticular abscess. Her urologist, Dr. Evans, explained that surgery was necessary to remove the diseased segment of colon, close the hole in her bladder, and place a temporary omental flap between the two organs to prevent recurrence. Aadya underwent a combined laparoscopic and open procedure. The recovery was challenging, requiring a two-week hospital stay with a catheter and a temporary ileostomy bag, which she found difficult to accept. Emotionally, she felt violated by her own body and isolated by the strange symptoms. Post-surgery, after the ileostomy was reversed, the relief was profound. The chronic infections stopped, and her sense of normalcy and dignity returned. She now advocates for early investigation of persistent UTIs in patients with diverticular disease.