Incidental gallbladder carcinoma associated with a cholecystoduodenal fistula.

The development of a cholecystoduodenal fistula may complicate 5% of all patients with cholelithiasis. It has been theorized that a cholecystoduodenal fistula may represent a significant risk factor in the development of gallbladder carcinoma because of the chronic reflux of duodenal contents. We report the case of a patient with a cholecystoduodenal fistula and an early gallbladder cancer to support this theory. Once developed, gallbladder cancer has a very poor prognosis. Early detection with timely resection is necessary to improve the survival rate in gallbladder carcinoma patients.