Gallstone ileus is a mechanical obstruction caused due to the impaction of one or more gallstones within the gastrointestinal tract. It is an infrequent complication of cholelithiasis . It was first described by Thomas Bartholin in 1654 as a cholecystointestinal fistula with a gallstone within the gastrointestinal tract. It usually occurs between the gallbladder and the duodenum due to their proximity; however, the stomach, small intestine, and transverse portion of the colon may also be involved. Clinically, gallstone ileus may manifest as acute, intermittent, or chronic episodes of gastrointestinal obstruction.
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and variable distension are commonly seen. The intermittent nature of pain and vomiting is attributed to the “ tumbling ” advancement of gallstone. Plain abdominal radiographs are crucial to establish the diagnosis. In 1941 , Rigler et al …
