I had my pouch excised and permanent ileostomy created on December 15th. Since then I have had recurring UTI's despite antibiotics. A CT scan last week revealed air in my bladder, and I also continue to pass air when I urinate. My surgeon said it could just be due to having a catheter after my surgery (was removed on 12/20). However, this has continued for 3 weeks. With my symptoms and CT findings, could this be a bladder fistula? Is it possible that this was created during my surgery, by the surgeon nicking my bladder/intestine? My surgeon keeps brushing it off, saying that he didn't see a fistula when operating. Should I press him for further testing/investigating? If it is a bladder fistula what is the treatment?
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A urinary catheter will not puncture the bladder wall and should not be the cause or air in your bladder. If your surgeon does not want to deal with this problem you should get an urgent consult with a urologist.
Could be a bladder fistula, as a complication of your surgery, even if there was no surgical error. However, an error would increase the risk of such a complication. On the other hand, it is possible you have Crohn's and this is a result. I agree that a urology consult is in order.
Air in the bladder could be due to an infection, but only specific bacteria would be the culprit, and it is pretty rare.
Jan
Air in the bladder could be due to an infection, but only specific bacteria would be the culprit, and it is pretty rare.
Jan