Fistula Secondary to Unoperated Benign Gastroduodenal Ulcer

The physician must be prepared to recognize bizarre fistulas complicating benign gastroduodenal ulcer and occurring without previous gastric surgery. A benign, often subclinical ulcer crater may suddenly perforate any hollow structure in the upper abdomen or lower chest. The consequences may be remarkably benign or immediately calamitous, depending on the anatomy of the resulting fistula.