Gall stone ileus; a serious complication of cholelithiasis in an elderly

ABSTRACT

Gallstone ileus [GSI] is an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. The formation of a fistula between the gall bladder and the bowel wall may allow a gallstone to enter the intestinal tract. Plain abdominal films, abdominal ultrasound and abdominal computed tomography aid in the diagnosis. Surgery is the treatment of choice in cases of gallstone ileus rate. We describe the case of a 68-year-old man who presented with symptoms and signs of intestinal obstruction. Diagnostic evaluation revealed a large gallstone impacted in the ileum. The patient was scheduled for exploratory laparotomy. At the time of surgery stone was found in the sigmoid colon. It was milked down and brought out through the rectum