Colocutaneous fistula: an unusual complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

We describe an unusual complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, the formation of a colocutaneous fistula. The complication resulted from penetration of both the colon and stomach at the time of catheter placement. This problem went unrecognized for several months until the feeding catheter was removed, and its replacement could be advanced only as far as the colon. Complications of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy are reviewed, and the problem of gastrocolic fistula formation secondary to gastrostomy placement is discussed.