Coloduodenal fistula: a rare complication of right-sided diverticulitis

Ng CKD, Cheung YSH, Wong CHJ, Li KWM
Correspondence: Dr Dennis Chung Kei Ng, dennis_ckng@yahoo.com.hk

ABSTRACT
Coloduodenal fistula is an uncommon disease entity. It can be caused by either a malignant or benign disease. We report the fifth case of coloduodenal fistula secondary to colonic diverticulosis. Our patient, a 60-year-old man, presented with severe diarrhoea and recurrent severe hypokalaemia. A partial colectomy with en bloc excision of the fistula was performed, and the duodenal defect was closed primarily. A literature review was carried out on the aetiology, presentation, diagnosis and management of coloduodenal fistula.

Keywords: diverticulum, coloduodenal fistula, colonic diverticulum, diverticulitis, enteric fistula, fistula
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(6): e220-e222