Cholecystocolonic fistula: A rare case report of Mirizzi syndrome

Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of gallstone disease that more rarely is associated with the formation of cholecystoenteric fistula.

The patient presented with a five-day history of abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant (RUQ), nausea, and emesis. Further ultrasound (US) imaging demonstrated a large gallstone with associated thickened gallbladder with pericholecystic fluid. Computed tomography (CT) imaging, preoperative Hepatobiliary Scintigraphy and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) displayed findings consistent with a Csendes type IV Mirizzi syndrome associated with cholecystocolonic fistula. Description of surgical approach, management and outcome is presented.

Surgical management of Mirizzi syndrome varies by classification of its severity. Open operation is preferred in cases with severe inflammation and concern for malignancy. The patient underwent a cholecystocolonic fistula takedown. A cholecystectomy was attempted though aborted due to concerns of malignancy. Biopsies returned negative for malignancy and the patient demonstrated findings on ERCP consistent with Mirizzi syndrome. Stenting of the common bile duct (CBD) was performed with ERCP and later the patient underwent an open biliary exploration with subsequent choledochotomy, biliary stone removal, and primary closure with interrupted sutures using remnant gallbladder wall flaps.

To our knowledge, Mirizzi syndrome with concurrent cholecystocolonic fistula is exceedingly rare with a paucity of reports within the literature. Our report discusses principles of management of Mirizzi syndrome as well as best practices of surgical management for Mirizzi syndrome with concurrent cholecystocolonic fistula.