Pyeloduodenal fistula: a review of the current literature

Purpose: Pyeloduodenal fistula (PDF) is a communication between the renal pelvis and the duodenum. It is often secondary to other diseases. It is a rare condition and therefore infrequently described in the literature. The aim is to present a review of the current literature on PDF and to give an update of its aetiology, symptoms, investigations and treatments.

Methods: Pubmed, Cochrane Library and Embase were used to search for existing literature in English and Scandinavian languages with available abstracts in the period Jan 2000-Dec 2023.

Results: No meta-analysis or reviews were found. In total, 24 original articles were found, including 25 cases all in all of both traumatic and spontaneous pyeloduodenal fistulas. Only four cases (15%) represented traumatic pyeloduodenal fistulas, and all of the spontaneous cases involved the right kidney and occurred due to calculi and pyonephrosis in 81% and 76% of the cases, respectively. Fever and flank pain were reported in 67% and 57% of the cases, respectively. Diagnosis was done by a CT urography or antegrade pyelography in 80% of the cases. More than 50% of all cases were managed by nephrectomy. Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) was administered alongside the nephrectomy in 28% of all cases.

Conclusion: A pyeloduodenal fistula often involves the right kidney and often occurs as a result of chronic renal inflammatory disease. The fistulas are most efficiently diagnosed with a CT scanning with contrast or retrograde pyelography. The most frequently used management of pyeloduodenal fistula is nephrectomy after closure of the duodenum with somatostatin and TPN.