Gallstone ileus: a rare cause of intestinal obstruction -- case report and literature review.

ABSTRACT

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon complication of cholelithiasis with a high morbidity and mortality rate. We report a rare case of small bowel gallstone obstruction in an 87-year-old female patient with cholecystoduodenal fistula. We performed an enterolithotomy, repair of fistula and cholecystectomy. During the postoperative course a wound dehiscence appeared, which required suturing and prolonged hospitalisation. We review the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, given that the diagnosis of this condition is usually difficult and often made intraoperatively.In fact, here is no standard surgical procedure for this disease. The one-stage procedure should be reserved for stabilized patients, but in cases with associated comorbidities,only enterolithotomy can represent the best option..