[Gallstone ileus in underlying stenosis of the sigmoid due to recurrent diverticulitis--a rare complication of cholelithiasis].
BACKGROUND
Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis and an uncommon cause of intestinal obstruction. It accounts for about 1-4% of all mechanical bowel obstructions. The clinical symptoms and signs of gallstone ileus are mostly nonspecific.


METHODS
An 82-year-old woman with recurrent diverticulitis of the sigmoid was admitted because of cramping right upper abdominal pain and signs of large bowel obstruction. Abdominal ultrasound revealed pneumobilia and severe diverticulitis of the sigmoid with signs of ileus. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography visualized the cholecystoenteric fistula. In addition, computed tomography (CT) scan revealed two stones 3 cm in diameter leading to nearly complete obstruction of the sigmoid. The patient underwent an open cholecystectomy, closure of the cholecystoenteric fistula, and sigmoidectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report demonstrates that relative stenoses of the sigmoid due to recurrent diverticulitis may predispose to the impaction of foreign bodies. Gallstone ileus is a rare but important differential diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Ultrasound and CT scans are very helpful in diagnosing gallstone ileus. The treatment is surgical. Unfortunately, surgical therapy of this rare complication is associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate due to multiple comorbidities and age-related problems of these patients. The management of patients with gallstone ileus should be individualized.
Sun
Rui
R
Medizinische Klinik II, Klinikum Pforzheim GmbH, Pforzheim, Germany. rsunrsun@hotmail.com
Theilmann
Lorenz
L
Vöhringer
Ulrich
U
Abdel Samie
Ahmed
A
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001658:Biliary Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004239:Diverticulitis, Colonic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005705:Gallbladder Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D042882:Gallstones / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D045823:Ileus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D012008:Recurrence; D012810:Sigmoid Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014463:Ultrasonography