[Biliary ileus: diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. Report of a case]

Abstract

We report a rare case of small bowel gallstone obstruction in a patient with cholecystointestinal fistula. Diagnosis of this condition is usually difficult and only achieved at surgery. We review the radiological findings, particularly the CT findings, helpful for diagnosis: ectopic gallstone, biliary gas and fistula. Early preoperative diagnosis could reduce morbidity and mortality. Treatment is surgical with enterolithotomy. There is some controversy over the need to repair the fistula.