GALLSTONE ILEUS WITH PERSISTENT CHOLELITHIASIS AND CHOLEDOCHOLITHIASIS

Objectives: Gallstone ileus is a rare issue but well described in the literature. Discrepancy exists as to the surgical management of this problem. The question is whether the patient is better served with a one or two stage operation.

Methods:

Results: This case report presents a 73 year old female who presented to the emergency department (ED) with a small bowel obstruction due to a gallstone lodged in a portion of jejunum/proximal ileum. The patient was also noted to have persistent cholelithiasis and possible cholecystoduodenal fistula. A single stage surgery was completed. The patient progressed well and was discharged home without recurrent symptoms.

Conclusion: Therefore, in a hemodynamically stable patient with persistent cholelithiasis or choledocholithiasis, it is reasonable to perform a definitive single stage operation.