Alternative treatments to surgery for colorectal fistula?
My uncle is 70+ and has diverticulitis. When he urinates, “poop” chunks came out with blood. He was also diagnosed with a colorectal fistula.
He had a colonoscopy and was clear of any polyps. He received an IV at the ER and the blood and chunks stopped. The doctor said antibiotics may stop it altogether, but if it continues he’d need surgery. There was nothing for 6 months and he seemed healed. They suggested surgery but still nothing else happened.
The chunks and blood then came back about 6 months later after he did strenuous lifting. He’s fit besides this condition.
Surgery was suggested. They said if he doesn’t get surgery he may get an infection that may lead to sepsis.
However he’s had no issues in 3 months since then. Just air in his urine flow. No blood or chunks. They still say surgery but he hasn’t had symptoms in ages now. He stopped the heavy lifting, too.
However the doctor also said before when he received the IV 6 months earlier that antibiotics may be able to help.
Surgery seems to not be able to happen for months so I was wondering is there a way for him to get maybe monthly or however often IV antibiotic or any IV treatment to treat the symptoms (blood, chunks, and pain urinating) as an alternative to surgery. Can that be a possible long term solution to dealing with the symptoms?
Thank you!