Coloduodenal fistula: a rare complication of right-sided diverticulitis

Abstract

Coloduodenal fistula is an uncommon disease entity. It can be caused by either a malignant or benign disease. We report the fifth case of coloduodenal fistula secondary to colonic diverticulosis. Our patient, a 60-year-old man, presented with severe diarrhoea and recurrent severe hypokalaemia. A partial colectomy with en bloc excision of the fistula was performed, and the duodenal defect was closed primarily. A literature review was carried out on the aetiology, presentation, diagnosis and management of coloduodenal fistula.