Choledochoduodenal fistula from a penetrating duodenal ulcer. A case report.

Choledochoduodenal fistula is an uncommon complication of duodenal ulcer disease. The role of medical therapy is unclear and surgical management has been recommended for the condition. A patient who was treated with ranitidine 150 mg twice daily for 8 weeks for a giant duodenal ulcer with a choledochoduodenal fistula is reported. Both the ulcer and the fistula completely healed on medical therapy. Medical therapy may now become the treatment of choice for this condition due to the availability of potent acid-reducing agents.