Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026
09:54
A Small Volume Bioassay to Assess Bacterial/Phytoplankton Co-culture Using WATER-Pulse-Amplitude-Modulated WATER-PAM Fluorometry
Published on: March 11, 2015
11.0K
A curious case of cololithiasis.
L Creedon1, H Boyd-Carson1, J Lund1,2
1Department of General Surgery, Royal Derby Hospital , Derby , UK.
Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England
|August 17, 2018
Summary
Gallstone ileus, a rare bowel obstruction, can occur via gallbladder-to-intestine fistulas. This case details a cholecystocolic fistula causing large-bowel obstruction from a giant gallstone.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Gastroenterology
- Abdominal Imaging
Background:
- Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of gallstones, typically causing small bowel obstruction.
- Cholecystoenteric fistulation is the underlying mechanism, allowing gallstones to enter the gastrointestinal tract.
- Large-bowel obstruction due to gallstone ileus is exceptionally uncommon.
Observation:
- A 75-year-old woman presented with acute symptoms after bowel preparation for colonoscopy.
- Investigations revealed a cholecystocolic fistula and a giant gallstone obstructing the rectosigmoid junction.
- The patient experienced symptoms of large-bowel obstruction.
Findings:
- Preintervention imaging confirmed a cholecystocolic fistula and a large gallstone causing distal large-bowel obstruction.
- Initial conservative management was unsuccessful.
- Surgical intervention, including laparotomy and Hartmann's procedure, was required.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of gallstone ileus involving the colon.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial for managing large-bowel obstruction secondary to gallstone impaction.
- Understanding rare fistulating pathways is important for surgical planning and patient outcomes.
