Non-operative treatment for gall-stone ileus - a case report

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Complications

Background:

• Gall-stone intestinal obstruction (GSO) is a rare mechanical obstruction and complication of cholelithiasis.
• Surgical management of GSO is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Observation:

• An 81-year-old female presented with abdominal pain and vomiting, diagnosed with GSO via CT scan.
• CT revealed pneumobilia, ileal distention, and a small bowel calcified mass.

Findings:

• A conservative approach was chosen due to the small gall-stone size (<25 mm) and patient's comorbidities.
• Spontaneous evacuation of the gall-stone was successfully achieved.

Implications:

• This case suggests conservative management may be a viable option for select GSO patients.
• Further review of diagnostic and management strategies for GSO is warranted.