Management of colovesical fistulae caused by diverticulitis: 12 years of experience in one medical centre.

Background: Diverticulitis can be complicated by a colovesical fistula (CVF). This phenomenon is relatively uncommon in surgical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate diagnostic and surgical management of CVF at our medical centre.

Low morbidity and mortality after stenting for malignant bowel obstruction.

Background: The difference in mortality between emergency and elective surgery for malignant colonic obstruction is more than 5% in healthy patients below the age of 65 and increases with age to around 20%. Emergency surgery can be avoided by endoscopic placement of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS).

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of SEMS as 'bridge to surgery'.