Small-intestinal enteroliths--unusual cause of small-intestinal obstruction: report of three cases

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to report on a rare cause of small-intestinal obstruction caused by small-intestinal enteroliths.

Methods: We present three different cases of enterolith formation in the small intestine. One occurred after nontropical sprue, one patient had multiple jejunal diverticula, and another patient had enterolith formation in a blind loop after a small-bowel side-to-side anastomosis.

Results: After initial conservative therapeutic approach all patients underwent surgery. In two patients the enteroliths were removed by ileotomy or jejunostomy. In the third patient the bowel anastomosis had to be revised after removal of the enterolith.

Conclusion: Small-intestinal enteroliths may cause small-bowel obstruction. The first therapeutic approach is nonsurgical; however, if obstruction proceeds, surgical removal with or without revision of underlying pathology is necessary. We discuss the causes and therapeutic management of enteroliths and give a review of related literature.