Recurrent gallstone ileus due to a residual gallstone: A case report and literature review

Mechanical small bowel obstruction is an uncommon but important complication of cholelithiasis. Recurrent gallstone ileus has historically been considered a rare occurrence; however, the incidence is likely to be underreported and the condition carries a high mortality rate.

We present a case in which a 67 year old man suffered a recurrence of gallstone ileus 10 days after his initial enterolithotomy, requiring further laparotomy.

We review the literature to highlight potential clinical predictors as well as the benefits and pitfalls of management options in preventing repeated episodes of gallstone ileus in the same patient.

The presence of multifaceted gallstones and multiple stones of size≥2cm on pre-operative imaging should alert the clinician to potential for recurrence.