Colocutaneous fistula

Case contributed by Mostafa Elfeky
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

History of operated perforated appendicitis three months ago

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

CT enterocolonography &...

ct

CT enterocolonography & fistulography

An opacified branching fistulous track is seen extending intra-abdominally to reach the cecum following positive contrast administration through the parietal opening at the appendectomy scar with minimal pericaecal fat stranding. No related intra-abdominal fluid collections detected.

Case Discussion

The patient had surgery for perforated appendicitis three months ago. He then developed dehiscence of his surgical wound with a foul smelling discharge. Colocutaneous fistula is a rare complication following appendectomy. It also can occur due to diverticulitis, Crohn disease or after colonic surgery. It may coexist with a colovaginal or colovesical fistula.

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