A Primary Jejunal Enterolith Presenting as Small Bowel Obstruction

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Case Reports

Background:

• Small bowel obstruction is a common surgical emergency.
• Enteroliths are rare causes of bowel obstruction, particularly primary jejunal enteroliths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of acute abdomen caused by a primary jejunal enterolith with associated stricture.
• To discuss the diagnostic and management challenges of this uncommon condition.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation and evaluation of an elderly male with acute abdomen.
• Imaging studies (e.g., CT scan) to identify the cause of obstruction.
• Surgical exploration following failed nonoperative management.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis of small bowel obstruction secondary to a primary jejunal enterolith with stricture.
• Successful surgical intervention resolved the patient's symptoms.
• The rarity of primary jejunal enteroliths as a cause of obstruction was noted.

Conclusions:

• Primary jejunal enteroliths are an infrequent cause of small bowel obstruction.
• Surgical management may be necessary when nonoperative measures are ineffective.
• Early recognition and surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes in such rare cases.