Small intestinal obstruction due to a giant gallstone: a rare case report from Syria

Gallstone ileus is a rare and potentially life-threatening condition characterized by the obstruction of the small intestine due to a gallstone. It occurs as a complication of gallstone disease, where a large gallstone erodes through the gallbladder into the gastrointestinal tract, creating a fistula.

A type 2 diabetic woman in her 50s presented to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain and vomiting. She has not emptied her bowels since 3 days ago. A clinical examination showed tenderness in the abdomen associated with fecal vomiting. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed and showed a dilated gallbladder with gas. A giant gallstone in a small intestinal loop was observed. The diagnosis was a small intestinal obstruction due to a giant gallstone and a duodenal-biliary fistula.

Gallstone ileus is an occasional complication of cholelithiasis, occurring in less than 0.5% of patients. Gallstone ileus frequently occurs in the terminal ileum and the ileocecal valve. Regarding the clinical presentation, abdominal pain is the most common symptom, followed by vomiting and constipation. CT scan is the gold standard utilized to diagnose gallstone ileus. Surgical intervention is the mainstay treatment for giant gallstone ileus, with enterolithotomy being the most commonly performed procedure.

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition that can emerge in elderly patients with a history of cholelithiasis. It is crucial for clinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion when encountering older patients with risk factors for cholelithiasis and intestinal obstruction.