title: The treatment of internal fistulae that complicate diverticular disease of the sigmoid colon by laparoscopically assisted colectomy.
abstract: Seven patients with internal fistulae complicating colonic diverticular disease were treated by laparoscopic assisted colectomy over a 24-month period. Prospective review of these patients was carried out to ascertain efficacy of the treatment. No intraoperative complications were encountered and return of gastrointestinal function was apparent within two days in all cases. Postoperative hospital stay was limited to an average of 4.7 days. No long-term complication or fistula recurrence has been noted in the mean 11-month follow-up period. This study indicates laparoscopic assisted colectomy is an effective means of treatment for diverticular fistulae.
authors.affiliation: University of Queensland, Department of Surgery, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, Australia.
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Hewett
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Stitz
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003082:Colectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012810:Sigmoid Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014624:Vaginal Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*