Aortocolic fistula caused by an ingested chicken bone

Primary aortocolic fistulas are a rare but lethal complication of aortic or iliac aneurysms. A case of fistula between a nonaneurysmal aortic bifurcation and sigmoid colon caused by an ingested chicken bone is presented. This cause of rectal bleeding, which has never been described, might have been suspected after careful examination of abdominal x-ray films. Surgical management included removal of the foreign body and primary repair of the colonic and aortic rent and appeared to be adequate.