[Therapeutic attitude in choledocoduodenal fistulas complicating duodenal ulcer]

The authors present 5 observations of choledocoduodenal fistula complicating chronic duodenal ulcer disease. Four cases were observed in Central Africa, the other in France. After a study of the frequency, and especially of the higher incidence in Africa, the authors review the problems associated with the pathology, clinical and diagnostic aspects of this complication. Moreover, they evoke the essential problems of management, as based on their experience and a review of the literature: medical vs. surgical treatment, should and how they treat the biliary lesions. Their individual results are criticized. A policy for the management of this complication is considered.