Management of radiation-induced rectovesical fistula in a woman using ileum: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Radiation-induced rectovesical fistulas (RVFs) require the most demanding treatment. We presented a rare case of postradiation RVF in a woman repaired with ileum. CASE PRESENTATION: A 49-year-old women was referred to our department for fecaluria and dysuria after radiation for cervical cancer. The voiding cystourethrography demonstrated a large RVF. A segment of ileum was separated into 2 parts for the simultaneous reconstruction of bladder and rectum, which led to a permanently closed fistula. This approach is easily accessible via transabdominal approach, could be applied for large defect, and bladder augmentation could be performed simultaneously. CONCLUSION: The repair of an RVF using ileum appears feasible and represents an attractive alternative for the management of RVFs.