Medical Treatment of Benign Gastrocolic Fistula

doi:10.1059/0003-4819-118-6-199303150-00007

Medical Treatment of Benign Gastrocolic Fistula

Erik P. Thyssen, MD;
Leonard B. Weinstock, MD;
Dennis M. Balfe, MD; and
Burton A. Shatz, MD

From Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri. Requests for Reprints: Erik P. Thyssen, MD, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue, Box 8124, St. Louis, MO 63110. Acknowledgments: The authors thank Ms. Cynthia Fleisher for manuscript preparation.

Abstract

Benign gastrocolic fistula has been reported in patients taking anti-inflammatory drugs and has been traditionally managed with surgery. We describe two patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications who were found to have a benign gastrocolic fistula. Because of the relatively mild symptoms, a trial of medical therapy was initiated with documented successful closure of the fistula. These findings show that some patients with benign gastrocolic fistula can be managed medically.