Arterio-enteric fistulas

The colorectal surgeon may well see arterioenteric fistulas in patients who have rectal bleeding. The initial bleeding usually stops, allowing time for evaluation, which should be done promptly because subsequent bleeding may be fatal. Exploratory laparotomy is frequently necessary to arrive at the correct diagnosis. Surgical management necessitates individual assessment of each case, but best results seem to be obtained when the infected graft is completely removed.