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Cholecystocolonic fistula prevents upper intestinal obstruction by a large gallstone after perforation into the

Stephan Engelberger1, Jochen Schuld, Martin K Schilling

  • 1Department of General, Visceral, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University of the Saarland, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany. stephan.engelberger@uks.eu

Langenbeck'S Archives of Surgery
|June 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of a patient with a cholecystocolonic fistula causing short bowel syndrome and diarrhea is presented. This unique presentation also prevented a gallstone-induced upper gastrointestinal obstruction.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Case Reports

Background:

  • Bilioenteric fistulas, rare complications of gallstones (cholecystolithiasis), present significant morbidity and mortality, predominantly in elderly individuals.
  • Cholelithiasis can lead to severe complications, including the formation of fistulas between the gallbladder and the gastrointestinal tract.

Observation:

  • This report details a unique case of a patient presenting with a cholecystoduodenal fistula and a concurrent cholecystocolonic fistula.
  • The patient exhibited symptoms of short bowel syndrome and symptomatic diarrhea.

Findings:

  • The cholecystocolonic fistula was identified as the cause of short bowel syndrome and diarrhea.
  • This complex fistula formation also prevented a potential upper gastrointestinal obstruction by a large gallstone that had perforated into the duodenum.

Implications:

  • This case highlights a previously undescribed constellation of bilioenteric fistulas, specifically a combined cholecystoduodenal and cholecystocolonic fistula.
  • Understanding such rare anatomical variations is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of complex gastrointestinal complications.
  • This case expands the literature on the diverse and severe manifestations of cholecystolithiasis.
Abstract

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