Unusual complication of colonic carcinoma: colonopleurobronchial fistula

Abstract

Colonopleurobronchial fistula (CPBF) is a rare complication which occurs due to diversified causes. Expectoration of the faecal material is the classical clinical symptom which suggests the diagnosis. Various causes include infection of pulmonary or abdominal origin, inflammatory bowel disease, colonic malignancy, diaphragmatic hernia and colonic interposition. Crohn’s disease is the frequent underlying pathology, colonic malignancy accounts for rare cause. Due to the presence of liver in right upper quadrant, most of the fistulas are on the left side. Here we describe a rare case of a 38-year-old man presented with right-sided CPBF due to underlying colonic malignancy. Bronchial block was done, however the patient succumbed to death.