Delayed Pancreatic Fistula after Left Nephrectomy: A Rare Complication

Abstract

Pancreatic cutaneous fistulas are rare but a possible complication of a kidney surgery. The anatomical proximity of the tail of the pancreas to the left kidney plays a key role in this matter. The relevant factors are also the size of the kidney tumor and the coexisting inflammatory infiltration as well. The reason of fistula formation is the imperceptible intraoperative damage to the pancreatic tissue and opening of pancreatic ducts. We are reporting a case of a 40-year-old patient who developed pancreatic cutaneous fistula after 10 years of left nephrectomy leading to skin excoriation. He was treated conservatively with octreotide and the fistula healed spontaneously. In conclusion, the pancreatic fistula is a rare complication of left nephrectomy.