Surgical repair of ileovesical fistulas: Long-term complications, quality of life, and patient satisfaction

Abstract

Ileovesical fistulas (IVFs) are an uncommon complication of Crohn's disease. The aim of this study is to compare long-term surgical outcomes, assess quality of life, and quantify patient satisfaction after IVF repair. A retrospective chart review followed by a prospective survey was carried out. Survey questions focused on patient satisfaction and quality of life after repair of IVF. Fifty-one patients were identified from an administrative database. Mean follow-up was 4.3 years with a response rate of 51 per cent. At the time of the study, 0 per cent mortality and 16 per cent morbidity were recorded. No recurrence was noted. There was no statistical significance in incidence of complications between laparoscopic and open surgery. Statistically significant differences in single-stage versus multistage operations were found in postoperative day of discharge (P < 0.001) and patient satisfaction (P = 0.049). Ninety-eight per cent of patients reported extreme satisfaction with their surgery and an improvement in quality of life. A low incidence of morbidity and recurrence supports early surgical intervention in IVFs.