Three cases of spontaneous duodeno-colic fistula.

Three cases of duodeno-colic fistula are presented, where a communication was demonstrated between the anterior aspect of the third part of the duodenum and the transverse colon at the point of mesocolic attachment. At operation the fistulae were found to be some 6 to 9 cm in length, and histological examination showed a well marked muscular layer with an intact epithelium. In view of the absence of any explanatory pathology, an embryological basis is suggested as the likeliest explanation for their origin.