A Case Report on Gallstone Ileus: Rare Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction in an Elderly Patient
Ethem Bilgiç
*
General Surgery, Didim State Hospital, Aydın, Turkey.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Gallstone ileus is an uncommon but clinically significant cause of mechanical small bowel obstruction, particularly among elderly patients. It accounts for approximately 1–4% of all small bowel obstructions, yet may represent up to 25% of non-strangulated obstructions in individuals over 65 years of age. We report the case of a 68-year-old female who presented with features of intestinal obstruction secondary to gallstone impaction. Computed tomography revealed pneumobilia, a cholecystoduodenal fistula, and small small bowel obstruction consistent with gallstone ileus. The patient underwent timely surgical intervention with enterolithotomy, resulting in an uneventful recovery. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate surgical decision-making, and individualized management strategies in elderly patients.
Keywords: Gallstone ileus, cholecystoduodenal fistula, biliary-enteric fistula, enterolithotomy, small bowel obstruction