[Gallstone ileus]

Since 1986 till 1996 in the Third Department of Surgery of the Collegium Medicum of the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, nine patients with biliary ileus were operated. Initial diagnosis, additional tests results, concomitant diseases, kinds of operative procedures and complications were analysed. Biliary ileus is still generally recognized during operation. Endoscopy, X-ray examination with contrast, ultrasound, and computed tomography are worth recommendation in preoperative diagnosis. Early decision about operative treatment and application of antibiotic prophylaxis may have an influence on improvement of treatment results.