User:Mr. Ibrahem/Gallstone ileus

Gallstone ileus is a form of bowel obstruction caused by a gallstone within the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain that come and go, vomiting, and constipation. Less commonly yellowish skin may occur. Complications can include sepsis and pancreatitis.

Risk factors include gallstones larger than 2 cm and recurrent episodes of cholecystitis. The underlying mechanism involves inflammation resulting in the formation of a connection between the gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract through which gallstones can than pass. These gallstones can than become stuck, most commonly in the lower part of the ileum. Diagnosis may occur by medical imaging.

Treatment is by surgery. Surgery may involve removing the gallstone, closing the hole between the gallbladder and gastrointestinal tract, and removing the gallbladder. Often only the first part is initial performed with a second surgery if symptoms continue. The risk of death is about 20%.

Gallstone ileus occurs in about 4 in 1,000 people with gallstones. It represents about 2.5% of small bowel obstructions and less than 0.1% of ileuses. Women are three times more commonly affected than men. It is more common in those over the age of 60. The condition was first described in someone who had died by Thomas Bartholin in 1654.