Gallstone Ileus, a Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction: A Case Report

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.iatreia.337

Keywords:

Cholecystectomy, Biliary Fistula, Gallstone Ileus, Intestinal Obstruction

Abstract

Introduction: Gallstone ileus represents an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. Management options range from enterotomy with stone extraction to concurrent enterotomy and cholecystectomy. The surgeon must select from available treatment options based on individual patient conditions and intraoperative findings.
Case Presentation: A 74-year-old female patient presenting with intestinal obstruction refractory to medical management. Gallstone ileus was diagnosed intraoperatively and treated through enterotomy with stone extraction.
Discussion: Gallstone ileus is a low-prevalence disorder triggered by an impacted gallstone in the gastrointestinal tract lumen. Its incidence in the general population is less than 3%. The management spectrum is broad, and the physician must individualize treatment according to each patient's specific conditions.
Conclusion: Gallstone ileus is a rare condition predominantly affecting elderly patients. Timely diagnosis is crucial for patient outcomes.

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Author Biography

Isabel Cristina Brito-Rojas, Fundación Universitaria Sánitas, Bogotá, Colombia

General Surgeon, Fundación Universitaria Sánitas, Bogotá, Colombia.

References

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Published

2025-04-08

How to Cite

1.
Brito-Rojas IC. Gallstone Ileus, a Rare Cause of Intestinal Obstruction: A Case Report. Iatreia [Internet]. 2025 Apr. 8 [cited 2025 Dec. 5];38(4). Available from: https://revistas.udea.edu.co/index.php/iatreia/article/view/356435

Issue

Section

Case reports