Spontaneous multiple cholecystoenteric fistulas--a case report.

Spontaneous multiple cholecystoenteric fistulas are relatively rare complications of chronic cholecystitis. One cholecystoduodenal and two cholecystocolonic fistulas were observed in a 65-year-old woman whose symptoms included fever, chills, jaundice, diarrhea, and prolonged right upper quadrant pain. Pneumobilia, which is a pathognomonic sign of bilioenteric fistula, was also detected by her plain abdomen X-ray on admission. Both types of fistulas were correctly diagnosed preoperatively by barium enema, upper GI series and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography. The patient was referred for surgery and fistulas were identified during laparotomy. Cholecystectomy, division of these fistulas, and primary repair of these bowel defects were successfully performed. The postoperative course was unremarkable. We report this unusual case and briefly review the hypothesized pathogenesis, typical symptomatology, radiographic diagnosis, complications and therapeutic modalities of this condition.