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How is a bladder fistula from Crohn’s disease treated?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My husband has Crohn's disease, and a bladder fistula has formed from it. His bowel is tunneling into the bladder.

  1. What is the surgery done for this problem?
  2. Does it require a bag, as it involves the bowel?
  3. Can the bladder be sewn?
  4. Will it cause damage to the bladder?
  5. How long should a urinary catheter be placed after surgery?
  6. How to check and when it needs to be checked to know whether the surgery is effective?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Erioli Braholli

Education:

General Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Erioli Braholli is a General Surgeon and General Practitioner with 35 years of clinical experience. His field of interest is General and Internal Medicine. He studied General Surgery at the University of Tirane in 1989. He performs operations to treat or prevent diseases, repair damage caused by injuries, correct deformities, and improve the functions of the human body.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Enterovesical fistula formed due to Crohn's disease is treated therapeutically with the help of antibiotics, steroids, and cytostatics. Catheters are used for urinary drainage and parenteral feeding. This is the preferred way of treatment. Surgical treatment is preferred in cases of abscess, urine obstruction, compound fistula, cancer, and when the therapeutic treatment fails.

Intestine resection and bladder repair are performed without the help of a diverting intestinal transit or urinary bag. These manipulations are used in advanced cases. Catheterization of the bladder is followed for three to four weeks. So an accurate diagnosis and evaluation from a general surgeon are needed. A urologist is required to decide the method of treatment.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At February 14, 2021
Reviewed At December 18, 2025

Education:

General Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Erioli Braholli is a General Surgeon and General Practitioner with 35 years of clinical experience. His field of interest is General and Internal Medicine. He studied General Surgery at the University of Tirane in 1989. He performs operations to treat or prevent diseases, repair damage caused by injuries, correct deformities, and improve the functions of the human body.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

General Surgery

Professional Bio:

Dr. Erioli Braholli is a General Surgeon and General Practitioner with 35 years of clinical experience. His field of interest is General and Internal Medicine. He studied General Surgery at the University of Tirane in 1989. He performs operations to treat or prevent diseases, repair damage caused by injuries, correct deformities, and improve the functions of the human body.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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