Vesicointestinal fistula

This code represents an abnormal communication or passageway that forms between the urinary bladder and any part of the intestine. This connection allows the passage of urine into the bowel or fecal matter/gas into the bladder, leading to various symptoms and potential complications.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates the presence of a fistula connecting the bladder and the intestine. This can be due to inflammatory conditions, diverticulitis, Crohn's disease, malignancy, trauma, or complications from surgery. Supporting documentation includes operative reports, imaging studies (e.g., cystography, CT scan), and physician notes detailing the fistula.

• Specify the exact type of vesicointestinal fistula if further detail is available (e.g., vesicocolic, vesicoenteric) using more specific codes if applicable.
• Always code the underlying cause of the fistula (e.g., Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, malignancy) as a primary or secondary diagnosis.
• Do not confuse with other types of genitourinary fistulas (e.g., vesicovaginal, vesicocutaneous) which have distinct codes.