Gallstone Ileus

Gallstone Ileus Is A Rare Condition That Occurs When A Gallstone Passes Through The Cystic Duct And Becomes Lodged In The Small Intestine. This Can Cause A Blockage Of The Intestine, Leading To Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting, And Constipation. In Some Cases, The Blockage Can Be So Severe That It Causes A Life-Threatening Emergency. Treatment Usually Involves Removal Of The Gallstone And The Affected Portion Of The Intestine. Gallstone Ileus Is Most Commonly Seen In Elderly Patients Who Have A History Of Gallstones. However, It Can Also Occur In Younger Individuals. Risk Factors Include A History Of Abdominal Surgery, The Presence Of An Abnormal Opening In The Intestine, Or A History Of Smoking. The Most Common Symptom Of Gallstone Ileus Is Abdominal Pain, Which Can Range From Mild To Severe. Other Symptoms Include Nausea, Vomiting, Fever, And Constipation. On Physical Examination, The Doctor May Feel A Mass In The Abdomen Or May Be Able To Detect A Bile-Like Odor. In Some Cases, An X-Ray May Be Able To Detect The Presence Of A Gallstone In The Intestine. Treatment For Gallstone Ileus Typically Involves Surgery To Remove The Gallstone And The Affected Portion Of The Intestine. In Some Cases, A Tube May Be Placed In The Intestine To Help Remove The Gallstone. In More Severe Cases, A Larger Portion Of The Intestine May Need To Be Removed. If The Gallstone Is Too Large To Be Removed Surgically, A Procedure Called Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy May Be Used To Break It Down Into Smaller Pieces That Can Then Be Removed. Gallstone Ileus Is A Potentially Serious Condition That Requires Prompt Medical Attention. If Left Untreated, It Can Lead To Infection, Perforation Of The Intestine, And Even Death. It Is Important To Seek Medical Help If Any Of The Symptoms Of Gallstone Ileus Are Present.