Ureterocolonic fistula formation 12 years after a nephrectomy for renal tuberculosis with a staghorn stone

Abstract

A postoperative ureterocolonic fistula is rare; only two cases have been reported in the past 38 years in the English medical literature. A 77-year-old female with left renal tuberculosis and staghorn stone received a nephrectomy and a 9-month course of antituberculous therapy. Twelve years later, she experienced repeated urinary tract infection and associated pneumaturia despite medical treatment. Cystoscopy revealed yellowish debris in the bladder, and a computed tomographic examination showed an air bubble in the bladder and a highly suspected fistula between the left ureteral stump and sigmoid colon. After a fistulectomy, she completely recovered, and follow-up urinalysis yielded normal results. This case report highlights this rare condition of urinary tract infection secondary to fistula formation from the ureteral stump even 12 years postoperatively. In addition, we compare different imaging techniques and hypothesize that a nephroureterectomy may be indicated for an inflammatory nonfunctioning kidney containing a staghorn stone.