EVF stands for Enterovesical Fistula, a medical condition where an abnormal connection forms between the intestine and the bladder.
Understanding Enterovesical Fistula (EVF)
An enterovesical fistula (EVF) is an unusual and typically rare complication arising from various underlying medical conditions. This abnormal communication allows contents from the intestine to pass into the bladder, potentially leading to a range of symptoms and complications. Common indicators may include recurrent urinary tract infections, pneumaturia (the presence of gas or air in the urine), and fecaluria (the passage of fecal matter in the urine).
Causes of EVF
EVF can result from a variety of inflammatory, neoplastic, traumatic, or iatrogenic (medically induced) issues. Understanding the origin is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.
Common Aetiologies:
- Diverticular Disease: This is the most frequent cause, often involving inflammation or infection of diverticula (small bulging pouches) in the digestive tract, particularly the colon. Individuals with diverticular disease may develop an EVF if an inflamed diverticulum ruptures into the bladder.
- Colorectal Carcinoma: Malignant tumors in the colon or rectum can invade adjacent organs like the bladder, leading to fistula formation. Colorectal carcinoma is a significant contributor to EVF development.
Other Potential Causes:
Beyond the most common causes, EVF can also arise from:
- Inflammatory Disease: Chronic inflammatory conditions of the bowel, such as Crohn's disease, can lead to the formation of fistulas.
- Neoplastic Disease: Other types of cancers that may affect the intestine or bladder, aside from colorectal carcinoma.
- Traumatic Injuries: Severe physical trauma to the abdomen can sometimes result in fistulas between organs.
- Iatrogenic Injuries: Complications from surgical procedures or medical interventions, such as radiation therapy or surgeries involving the abdomen or pelvis.
Key Characteristics of EVF
To summarize the essential aspects of EVF, consider the following:
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | An abnormal communication between the intestine and the bladder. |
| Nature | Considered a rare complication. |
| Primary Causes | Diverticular disease, Colorectal carcinoma. |
| Other Causes | Inflammatory disease, Neoplastic disease, Traumatic, Iatrogenic injuries. |
Early diagnosis and appropriate medical or surgical management are vital for patients experiencing symptoms consistent with an enterovesical fistula to prevent further complications and improve quality of life.
