Inflammatory bowel disease and cholelithiasis: the association in patients with an ileostomy

Sixty-nine patients were evaluated prospectively by sonography and history to determine the presence of cholelithiasis. Sixteen patients (23%) had a positive diagnosis. A control group was also prospectively evaluated. We have determined that patients above age 50 with a permanent ileostomy are at statistically significant risk of having cholelithiasis, and their risk is greater than that of a control group matched for age and sex. Radiologists should recognize this association and carefully evaluate the gallbladder of any patient with a permanent ileostomy who has abdominal pain.