Desperate for advice.

My mother is 86 and has been diagnosed with a fistula between the colon and the urinary bladder/bowel to bladder fistula/.Bits of faeces enter the bladder regularly creating a constant source of infection, and also making urination extremely frequent and painful.Due to  her age we have categorically refused classical surgery, and other non-invasive ways of treatment are not available in my country/Bulgaria/. Could you recommend a clinic abroad which might address the issue via laparoscopy? Also, any general advice would be welcome.

Thanks in advance,

D.Bozhilov,Varna,Bulgaria.

At her age, with no prior history of bowel disease, it is likely that the fistula has come from a diverticulum in her colon. I diverticuli is a tract or pocket that develops in the wall of the colon. A diverticulum can make a long tract and reach other organs or the outside of the body. The repair of such a fistula like your mother's most likely can be done laproscopically.

I cannot help you with the name of a clinic outside of Bulgaria that can help. I am sure there are many, but I simply do not know what is available. What countries can you easily travel to? I am thinking that any of this requires visas and the like. Perhaps if you list the easiest places, someone here might have suggestions.

I know that places in England, France, Germany, India could do the surgery laproscopically. There is also the United States. If traveling to this country is a possibility, then the members here most surely will have suggestions.

Please let us hear back from you.

We have some ppl here from England and at least one from Ireland. Hopefully, they'll have more info for you.
Hope your mother feels better soon!

First of all, let me express my grattitude for the prompt responses!

To yohimbe:

 Yes, I am perfectly aware that this condition will not go away and can only get worse, but I am in a classical between a rock and a hard place situation- the choice between classical surgery and just applying palliatives is next to impossible. Still, at least at this stage,I can not accept the responsibility to force upon my mother abdominal surgery at her age and condition. THat is why I am trying to look for an uninvasive way,i.e.laparoscopy.

to Roni:

I am eagerly expecting this info. How will I get it, via the forum?

Best regards!

D.B.

You can check for really good medical centers in Istanbul..
You can go there even by car from Bulgaria..
One of them For ex: http://www.acibademinternational.com/

Your welcome, at the contact link, they even have Balkan lang. speakers I guess.. If you need any help let me know.

Good luck..

Bleda - Crohns - LDN

Languages are not a problem. At a first glance, they do not offer laparoscopy, but I will dig further of course, and also do a wider search. Do you have any idea about approximate costs? And good to notice there are people who still remeber their A.A.Milne!

Yes, and there is a way to get a free estimate, which I will organize ASAP. Thanks for your assistance!