Gallstone Ileus

Abstract

Gallstone ileus is a mechanical intestinal obstruction caused by impaction of one or more gallstones within the bowel lumen. It is a continuing surgical problem and occurs mainly in the elderly. Preoperative diagnosis depends upon x-ray film findings of distended loops of bowel, air in the biliary tract, and a stone in the intestine. The prime objective of gallstone ileus treatment is surgical relief of the obstruction. However, under optimum conditions, a one-stage repair of the associated biliary tract disease should be done. The syndrome is reviewed and four new cases illustrative of the various means of treatment are presented.