Resolution of gallstone ileus with spontaneous evacuation of gallstone

Abstract

Gallstone ileus (GSI) is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction (SBO). Even more extraordinary is the spontaneous evacuation of a gallstone, which has caused SBO. A 69-year-old gentleman presented with symptoms and signs of SBO. His plain abdominal X-ray revealed dilated loops of the small bowel and opacity in the region of the terminal ileum consistent with a diagnosis of GSI. Because of severe cardiorespiratory co-morbidities, the patient was treated conservatively and improved within 24 h. A CT scan revealed that the stone had passed into the rectum and was spontaneously evacuated. If the gallstone is <2.5 cm on CT scan, spontaneous evacuation is a real possibility and initial conservative treatment in a high-risk surgical patient is a consideration.