Gallstone ileus: What to do, when, and why: A case-based review of surgical options.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Gallstone ileus (GI) is a rare and serious complication of cholelithiasis, causing intestinal obstruction due to the migration of gallstones into the bowel lumen. It predominantly affects elderly patients and often lacks specific symptoms, delaying diagnosis and increasing mortality.

Case presentation

We report a case of a 60-year-old male with signs of small bowel obstruction and a known history of gallstones. CT imaging confirmed a large gallstone impacted in the distal ileum. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with distal enterotomy and stone extraction, followed by an uneventful recovery.

Discussion

This case illustrates the decision-making process in choosing between enterolithotomy, one-stage, and two-stage surgical approaches. A distal en

SUBMITTER: Elgazar A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12301750 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature