Gallstone ileus of the sigmoid colon: an unusual cause of large-bowel obstruction

HPB Surg. 2010:2010:153740. doi: 10.1155/2010/153740. Epub 2010 May 31.

Abstract

Gallstone ileus of the colon is an exceedingly rare cause of large-bowel obstruction. It is usually the result of fistula formation between the gallbladder and large bowel facilitating entry of the stone into gastrointestinal tract. Contrast enhanced abdominal computed tomography is an important diagnostic aid. Surgical management is the treatment of choice to prevent the disastrous complications of large-bowel obstruction. We describe the case of a 92-year-old man who presented with symptoms and signs of large-bowel obstruction. Radiological investigation showed a large gallstone impacted in the sigmoid colon. Open enterolithotomy was undertaken relieving the obstruction and the patient made a full recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biliary Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Biliary Fistula / etiology
  • Biliary Fistula / surgery*
  • Gallstones / complications*
  • Gallstones / diagnostic imaging
  • Humans
  • Ileus / diagnostic imaging
  • Ileus / etiology
  • Ileus / surgery*
  • Intestinal Fistula / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology
  • Intestinal Fistula / surgery*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Intestinal Obstruction / etiology
  • Intestinal Obstruction / surgery*
  • Male
  • Sigmoid Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Sigmoid Diseases / etiology
  • Sigmoid Diseases / surgery*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed