Benign gastric ulcer as a cause of gastrocolic fistula. Report of a case and review of the literature.

Abstract

Gastrocolic fistula as a result of benign gastric ulcer is a rare occurrence. Fifteen cases have been reported in the literature. Most benign gastric ulcers are situated on the lesser curvature of the stomach and are, thus, not in close proximity to the transverse colon. The most common presenting symptoms are diarrhea, weight loss, and foulsmelling eructations. From this presented experience with a 49-year-old male patient, barium enema is the most reliable diagnostic study, and block resection of the distal stomach, fistulous tract, and segment of transverse colon is the treatment of choice.