Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Weerakkody Y, Knipe H, Qureshi P, et al. Colocutaneous fistula. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 03 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-94331
Colocutaneous fistulas are an abnormal communication between the mucosal surface of the colon and the skin.
Fistulography
Fistulography be performed either under fluoroscopy or with CT and involves the administration of iodinated contrast through the cutaneous fistulous opening, which may show a direct communication of contrast into the colon.
CT
A direct communicating track between the skin and the affected part of the colon may be seen.
Treatment and prognosis
Management options may differ depending on if the fistula is acute or chronic with some publications suggesting surgical management is required in chronic cases 4.
-
1. Siddique I, Krishnamurthy M, Choubey S, Gudavalli P, Bharathan T, Pachter B. Colocutaneous Fistula: A Rare and Silent Complication of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy. Digest Dis Sci. 1996;41(2):301-4. doi:10.1007/bf02093819 - Pubmed
-
2. Nixon A, Aggeli C, Thanasa A, Tsallas S, Vavoura A, Zografos G. Fecal Colocutaneous Fistula of the Thigh: A Rare Complication of Diverticulitis. The American Surgeon. 2018;84(12):529-31. doi:10.1177/000313481808401211
-
3. Trinder M, Balasuriya H, Tan J, Coveney A, Hodder R. Colocutaneous Fistula Through the Iliac Crest. ANZ Journal of Surgery. 2021;91(9):E625-6. doi:10.1111/ans.16624 - Pubmed
-
4. Huda T & Pandya B. Treatment of Colocutaneous Fistula in the Left Thigh. Surg J (N Y). 2019;5(3):e113-9. doi:10.1055/s-0039-1696728 - Pubmed
-
5. Nikfarjam M, Champagne B, Reynolds H, Poulose B, Ponsky J, Marks J. Acute Management of Stoma-Related Colocutaneous Fistula by Temporary Placement of a Self-Expanding Plastic Stent. Surg Innov. 2009;16(3):270-3. doi:10.1177/1553350609345851 - Pubmed
-
6. Charalabopoulos A, Misiakos E, Macheras A. Colocutaneous Fistula Complicating Sigmoid Diverticulitis. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2011;2(5):68-70. doi:10.1016/j.ijscr.2011.02.002 - Pubmed
-
7. Marriam Ahmed, Kiran Randhawa, Anthony Kawesha, Akinfemi Ayobami Akingboye. Colocutaneous Fistula Following Clostridioides Difficile Infection Managed as an ‘autocolostomy’: A Novel Approach to a Recognised Complication. BMJ Case Reports CP. 2021;14(4):e238720. doi:10.1136/bcr-2020-238720 - Pubmed
Promoted articles (advertising)
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.