[Bouveret syndrome: 5 cases]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Gastroenterology

Background:

• Bouveret's syndrome, a rare condition, involves duodenal obstruction caused by gallstones.
• It presents with symptoms like gastric outlet obstruction, GI bleeding, or jaundice.

Observation:

• This report details five cases of Bouveret's syndrome.
• Diagnosis was confirmed via endoscopy, X-rays, or surgery.
• All patients required surgical intervention for obstruction.

Findings:

• Preoperative diagnosis occurred in 85% of cases, primarily through endoscopy.
• Previous biliary symptoms were noted in 65% of patients.
• Postoperative mortality was 24%, increasing with simultaneous cholecystectomy.

Implications:

• Endoscopy is crucial for diagnosing Bouveret's syndrome.
• The risks associated with simultaneous cholecystectomy warrant careful consideration.
• Further research into optimal surgical management is needed.