Colonic necrosis or fistula following pancreatitis or gastric surgery

Eight cases of extensive colonic necrosis or colonic fistula secondary to gastric surgery or surgical drainage of necrotic pancreatitis were seen over a 2-year period. Four of the patients died, and all the survivors had fistula only. Diagnosis of such lesions is often difficult, and fistulography is recommended when a pancreatic abscess is drained. Resection of the gut is not mandatory in cases of fistula.