# A Case of Benign Gastrocolic Fistula With a Favorable Outcome Due to Preoperative Nutritional Therapy

## TL;DR

A 70-year-old undernourished woman with a benign gastrocolic fistula improved with preoperative nutritional therapy and surgery.

## Contribution

Demonstrates successful management of a gastrocolonic fistula using preoperative nutritional therapy followed by surgery.

## Key findings

- Fasting and enteral nutrition improved the patient's condition but did not close the fistula.
- Surgical resection of the affected stomach and colon led to a full recovery without complications.

## Abstract

This case report details the management of a 70-year-old undernourished female patient presenting with a benign gastrocolonic fistula secondary to a massive gastric ulcer. Imaging confirmed the connection between the gastric ulcer and the transverse colon. The patient was placed on fasting and enteral nutritional management, resulting in a gradual improvement in her overall condition; however, the fistula persisted. Surgical intervention was performed on the 18th day post admission, comprising exploratory laparotomy, gastric resection, and partial colon resection. After surgery, the patient recovered without major complications.