Treating a Bypass with Bypass Surgery: Repair of a Duodeno-sigmoid Fistula Complicating Acute Diverticulitis

Abstract

Diverticular disease is common in Western countries; one-third of patients with diverticular disease develop diverticulitis during their lifetime of whom 5% may experience serious complications. We describe a rare complication of diverticulitis: a duodeno-colic fistula in a patient with an elongated sigmoid colon (dolicosigma). The patient complained of abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and feculent vomiting. Radiological studies and gastroscopy demonstrated a fistula between the second portion of the duodenum and the sigmoid colon. Curative surgery cured the fistula and completely resolved its associated signs and symptoms.

Keywords: Diverticulitis; Dolicosigma; Duodeno-colic fistula; Malabsorption; Metabolic acidosis.