External duodenal fistula. Causes, complications, and treatment.

We reviewed records of 18 patients with external duodenal fistula. Fourteen patients developed duodenal fistulas following an operation, two following abdominal trauma, and two as a complication of other diseases. Copious drainage of intestinal juice from the abdomen was the most common presenting sign. Contrast fistulography, upper gastrointestinal tract roentgenography, and T-tube cholangiography were useful diagnostic studies. Nine patients were treated nonoperatively; nine patients required at least one operation. Complications occurred frequently; of special interest were three patients who developed postoperative acute cholecystitis. Six patients died (33% mortality). Factors associated with mortality were advanced age (greater than 65 years), uncontrolled infection and multiple organ failure, high-output fistula, malnutrition, delay in diagnosis (more than three days), and multiple reoperations to treat the fistula or complications. External duodenal fistula continues to be a life-threatening problem whether it is postoperative, posttraumatic, or secondary to a disease process.