BACKGROUND: Abdominal bleeding is a severe complication of duodenal fistula, but few studies have focused on this problem. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for intra-abdominal bleeding in patients with external duodenal fistula.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2016, medical records of 97 patients with external duodenal fistula were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed. The prevalence and risk factors for intra-abdominal bleeding were evaluated.

RESULTS: The prevalence of abdominal bleeding in patients with external duodenal fistula was 31.9% (95%CI: 22.5–41.4%). A total of 31 patients had intra-abdominal bleeding. Results revealed that acute kidney failure (OR: 8.462, 95% CI: 1.921–37.28, p=0.005) and retroperitoneal infection (OR: 5.373, 95% CI: 1.504–19.197, p=0.010) were associated with abdominal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of abdominal bleeding in patients with external duodenal fistula was 31.9%, and acute kidney failure and retroperitoneal infection were found to be risk factors for intra-abdominal bleeding.

Keywords: Intestinal Fistula, Metrorrhagia, Prevalence, Risk Factors