Laparoscopic treatment of cholecystocolonic fistula: report of a case preoperatively diagnosed by barium enema.

Abstract

The authors present a case of cholecystocolonic fistula with no specific symptoms, such as severe diarrhea or pneumobilia, preoperatively diagnosed and treated by the laparoscopic approach. A preoperative barium enema demonstrated a cholecystocolonic fistula. The fistula was divided by the laparoscopic stapling technique. Important features in the management of this case are (1) preoperative diagnosis of the fistula by barium enema carried out for screening colorectal cancer, (2) dissection of the gallbladder from its bed before division of the fistula, and (3) use of the laparoscopic stapling technique to divide the fistula while preventing fecal soilage.