Cholecystogastric fistula: a brief report and review of the literature

Cholecystogastric fistula is a rare, life-threatening complication of cholelithiasis that presents a difficult challenge to the surgeon when it occurs in elderly and co-morbid patients. Following a case of a 68-year-old female who presented with a short history of epigastric pain and vomiting, and in whom a cholecystogastric fistula was identified on abdominal computed tomography and confirmed on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, we performed a systematic review of the literature on the management of cholecystogastric fistula. Our patient underwent laparotomy without excision of the fistula nor cholecystectomy and had an uncomplicated post-operative course. Surgical management using an open approach remains the mainstay of treatment of cholecystogastric fistula although laparoscopic techniques are used with increasing success. Surgical closure of the fistula is not always necessary. Improved surgical techniques including the use of laparoscopic surgery have led to improved outcomes in the management of cholecystogastric fistula.