A community experience with entericovesical fistulas.

A community experience with entericovesical fistulas is presented as well as a review of the literature. The series of 16 cases illustrates that this complication continues to present challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Diverticulitis is by far the most common primary disease process leading to the formation of entericovesical fistulas and the controversy involved in the surgical management of diverticulitis carries over to the management of this rare complication of the disease. It is felt that a one-stage procedure can often be accomplished and should be the procedure of choice in well-prepared, electively operated patients. When multiple stages are required, the two-stage approach is recommended. Familiarity with the proper treatment and a greater index of suspicion for this complication will lead to more acceptable management of patients with entericovesical fistulas.