Cholecystocolonic Fistula (CCF) Case Report

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Introduction: Gallbladder disease is one of the most common conditions affecting the digestive tract. Autopsy reports have shown a prevalence of gallstones ranging from 11-36%, with cholecystitis being one of the most prevalent complications. Although cholecystoenteric fistulas are rare, with an incidence of 0.15-0.5% among patients undergoing cholecystectomy, they can present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. The transverse colon is the second most common site for these fistulas after the duodenum. A high degree of suspicion is required to diagnose it preoperatively. Here, we present a noteworthy case of a 65-year-old male patient with a fistula between the gallbladder and transverse colon, complicated by severe adhesions and a large stone, underscoring the complexities associated with this condition. Case Presentation: The patient had a history of hypertension and gallbladder stones when he was admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic with acute cholecystitis. Two years later, he had an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy and, during surgery, the surgical team noticed significant adhesions around the gallbladder. Further inspection during dissection of the gallbladder bed revealed a fistula between the transverse colon and the gallbladder, and a single large stone was identified. The patient’s surgical procedure was successful, and his postoperative recovery was uncomplicated. Conclusion: A fistula between the gallbladder and transverse colon is a rare complication of gallbladder disease, and the transverse colon is the second most common cholecystoenteric fistula after the duodenum. The presence of a fistula is usually a late sequence of chronic gallstone disease that requires appropriate diagnosis and correct treatment. In this case, the surgery was complicated by extensive adhesions around the gallbladder with an adjacent colon and a large stone with a fistula noted between the transverse colon and the gallbladder. However, through careful planning, correct surgical procedures, and skilled surgical expertise, the patient’s condition after surgery lacked complications. This case focuses on the importance of addressing all possible complications of gallbladder disease and adjusting surgical procedures accordingly.