Single center experiences in gall stone ileus: analysis of six cases

INTRODUCTION: Although gallstone-related ileus is rare, it is a serious cause of intestinal obstruction, especially in elderly patients, with a mortality rate of up to 30 %. It occurs when the stone in the gallbladder passes through the cholecysto-duodenal fistula into the gastrointestinal tract due to recurrent cholecystitis attacks and generally causes mechanical obstruction in the small intestines. Computed tomography is the gold standard in a patient whose general condition is not good. Most of the patients are diagnosed intraoperatively during surgery for ileus. Treatment; It is based on stone removal (enterolithotomy) by endoscopic, laparoscopic or open surgical methods.
METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, 6 patients who were operated for gallstone ileus in the general surgery clinic between May 2017 and May 2022 were included.
RESULTS: This study consists of 6 patients, 4 men and 2 women, who were operated for gallstone ileus within the specified date range.Five of the patients underwent a one-stage procedure, only one patient with poor clinical condition underwent enterolithotomy.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Gallstone ileus is a rare and often difficult to diagnose condition. In the management of these patients, each patient should be evaluated individually, and the treatment method to be chosen should be evaluated by considering the general condition of the patient, patient age and the risks of surgery. Colonoscopy or laparoscopy should be preferred, if possible, rather than open surgery.