A Case of Suspected Colocutaneous Fistula Within an Incisional Hernia Secondary to Sigmoid Diverticulitis in an Elderly Patient With Prior History of Cystectomy and Ileal Conduit Formation

Diverticulitis is a common colonic pathology, but fistulous communication with the anterior abdominal wall is rare. We report a case of a suprapubic abscess with a radiologically suspected colocutaneous fistula arising from sigmoid diverticulitis in an 87-year-old man with prior cystectomy and ileal conduit formation. Laboratory investigations demonstrated significant inflammation, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a thick-walled suprapubic collection with a defined tract extending to an inflamed segment of sigmoid colon, consistent with a colocutaneous fistula. Management involved intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage, resulting in clinical improvement and resolution of sepsis. The patient was discharged with a plan for outpatient follow-up, and consideration of elective sigmoid resection should the fistula persist. This case highlights the importance of recognising atypical presentations of diverticulitis in patients with altered pelvic anatomy and underscores the role of cross-sectional imaging in diagnosis and guiding management.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-02-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.103493
Primary Topic
Diverticular Disease and Complications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

A Case of Suspected Colocutaneous Fistula Within an Incisional Hernia Secondary to Sigmoid Diverticulitis in an Elderly Patient With Prior History of Cystectomy and Ileal Conduit Formation

Narayan Khanal
Cureus
Diverticular Disease and Complications
article

A Case of Suspected Colocutaneous Fistula Within an Incisional Hernia Secondary to Sigmoid Diverticulitis in an Elderly Patient With Prior History of Cystectomy and Ileal Conduit Formation

Narayan Khanal
article en

Abstract

Diverticulitis is a common colonic pathology, but fistulous communication with the anterior abdominal wall is rare. We report a case of a suprapubic abscess with a radiologically suspected colocutaneous fistula arising from sigmoid diverticulitis in an 87-year-old man with prior cystectomy and ileal conduit formation. Laboratory investigations demonstrated significant inflammation, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a thick-walled suprapubic collection with a defined tract extending to an inflamed segment of sigmoid colon, consistent with a colocutaneous fistula. Management involved intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics and ultrasound-guided percutaneous drainage, resulting in clinical improvement and resolution of sepsis. The patient was discharged with a plan for outpatient follow-up, and consideration of elective sigmoid resection should the fistula persist. This case highlights the importance of recognising atypical presentations of diverticulitis in patients with altered pelvic anatomy and underscores the role of cross-sectional imaging in diagnosis and guiding management.

CureusVol. 18(2)
Albury Wodonga Health (AU)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 59%
Diverticular Disease and Complications
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