Benign duodenocolic fistula

Benign duodencolic fistula is a rare complication of a number of gastrointestinal diseases and it is seldom considered in diagnosis. Diarrhoea and weight loss are characteristic presenting features which may be masked by coexisting disease. Barium enema is the most useful diagnostic procedure. Prognosis is good if surgery is undertaken at an early stage after adequate correction of the metabolic consequences of the fistula, by administration of fluid, electrolytes and parenteral nutrition. This paper reports 4 cases of this condition and reviews the clinical features, investigation, aetiology and management.