DOI: 10.12890/2025_005483

Benign duodenocolic fistula: a rare complication of peptic ulcer disease

Authors

  • Alexander F. Cahoon Department of Internal Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA
  • Leila C. Tou Department of Internal Medicine, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA
  • Abimbola T. Adenote Department of Gastroenterology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA
  • Drew J. Triplett Department of Gastroenterology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA
  • Mustafa Musleh, MD Department of Gastroenterology, Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, USA

leilac.1416@gmail.com

Keywords

Peptic ulcer disease, PUD, benign duodenocolic fistula, enterocolic fistula

Abstract

Background: Duodenocolic fistulas are uncommon but serious complications of peptic ulcer disease (PUD), resulting from the erosion of a duodenal ulcer into the colon. This connection typically forms when a chronic ulcer perforates or penetrates through the duodenum, leading to inflammation and necrosis that disrupts the normal anatomical barriers.
Case Report: A 66-year-old male with a history of inadequate medical follow-up, chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use, alcohol use disorder, and PUD, developed a duodenocolic fistula secondary to a perforated duodenal ulcer. Endoscopy revealed a large duodenal ulcer with fistulisation into the colon. The patient underwent definitive surgical treatment, including fistula takedown, partial colectomy, antrectomy, and gastrojejunostomy.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of early recognition and thorough evaluation of duodenocolic fistulas, which can lead to severe complications such as sepsis, malnutrition, and gastrointestinal bleeding. While conservative management may be appropriate in select cases, surgical intervention remains the definitive treatment for symptomatic or complicated fistulas. Prevention through targeted interventions, such as effective management of PUD and routine screening for high-risk conditions, is crucial. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment of duodenocolic fistulas.

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References

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Published

2025-06-09

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 7 (2025)

Categories

How to Cite

1.
Cahoon AF, Tou LC, Adenote AT, Triplett DJ, Musleh M. Benign duodenocolic fistula: a rare complication of peptic ulcer disease. EJCRIM [Internet]. 2025 Jun. 9 [cited 2026 Nov. 3];12(7). Available from: https://ejcrim.com/index.php/ejcrim/article/view/5483