Laparoscopic Enterolithotomy Is a Valid Option to Treat Gallstone Ileus

Gallstone ileus is a well-recognized clinical entity. It usually affects elderly female patients, and very often diagnosis can be delayed resulting in high morbidity and mortality. An abdominal x-ray and computed tomographic (CT) scan of the abdomen may show classical radiological features of small bowel obstruction, pneumobilia, and an ectopic gallstone. Laparotomy and enterlithotomy with or without definite biliary surgery is an established treatment. Since 1992, many cases of laparoscopic-assisted enterolithotomy have been reported. Only a few cases of a totally laparoscopic approach have been documented. We present the case of a 75-year-old lady who presented with features of intestinal obstruction. A plain x-ray of the abdomen and a CT scan confirmed the classical features of gallstone ileus. A totally laparoscopic enterolithotomy was performed using 6 ports. A 6-cm gallstone was retrieved through a longitudinal enterotomy. The transverse closure of the enterotomy was performed with intracorporeal suturing, resulting in an uneventful postoperative recovery. We suggest that a CT scan helps in the early diagnosis of the cause of intestinal obstruction, and totally laparoscopic enterolithomy with intracorporeal enterotomy repair is a valid, safe option.     

胆囊十二指肠瘘伴胆石性肠梗阻1例分析并文献复习

目的:探讨胆囊十二指肠瘘合并胆石性肠梗阻的术前评估、诊断和手术方式。方法:回顾性分析1例胆囊十二指肠瘘合并胆石性肠梗阻术前及术中的临床资料,并复习相关文献。结果:患者术前CT检查考虑胆囊结石与胆石性肠梗阻。术中探查见回盲部40cm处结石嵌顿,随后成功行肠切开取石、十二指肠瘘口修补、胆囊切除。术后痊愈出院,随访至目前未见相关并发症。结论:胆囊十二指肠瘘合并胆石性肠梗阻临床罕见,早期的明确诊断及精确的评估是关键,应根据患者具体情况选择合适的手术方式。     

胆石性肠梗阻五例报告并文献复习

目的 探讨胆石性肠梗阻的临床特点及诊治方法.方法 回顾性分析5例胆石性肠梗阻患者的临床资料,并复习2000-2009年国内相关文献,对胆石性肠梗阻的发病情况、临床表现、影像学检查、诊断及治疗情况进行总结.结果 本组5例患者中4例为60岁以上女性,其中3例有胆石病史,胆石经胆囊十二指肠瘘排入肠道 另2例有胆肠内引流术史,胆石经内引流口排入肠道.4例行肠切开取石并肠道胆道彻底手术,另1例行单纯肠切开取石 5例患者均手术治愈,术后无复发病例.国内文献复习共获取胆石性肠梗阻有效病例441例,占所有肠梗阻的1.15%,其中女性患者占67.12%,老年患者占73.56%.87.92%的胆石是经胆肠内瘘口排入肠道 64.17%的梗阻位于回肠.术前有71.89%的患者误诊为其他类型肠梗阻.225例行肠切开取石并肠道胆道彻底性手术,其术后复发率及胆囊癌变率低于216例行单纯肠切开取石患者（均P＜0.05） 而术后胆肠瘘、切口感染、肺部感染、治愈率及死亡率两种术式间差异则无统计学意义（均P＞0.05）.结论 胆石性肠梗阻发病率低,以老年女性多见 胆石多经胆肠内瘘口进入肠道,梗阻部位以回肠多见.单纯肠切开取石术后有一定的复发及胆囊癌变风险,故若患者全身情况允许,应首选肠切开取石并胆道肠道彻底性手术.     

Gallstone ileus as a complication of acute cholecystitis. Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment

Gallstone ileus accounts for 1-4% of all cases of intestinal obstruction, with its incidence rising with age of patients. There is often a long delay between onset of symptoms (usually abdominal pain, vomiting, and bowel distension) and proper treatment, with a simple enterolithotomy as the one of choice. We report a case of an atypical gallstone ileus presented as a complication of acute cholecystitis, treated with a laparoscopic guided enterolithotomy. A 67-year-old woman on the 5th p.o. day after a laparoscopic procedure for an empyematous cholecystitis (no sign of fistula or duodenal perforation and a "negative" intraoperative cholangiography) presented continuous vomiting as the only symptoms of a subileus (radiographic diagnostic images negative for intestinal obstruction or intraluminal gallstone or duodenal fistula). A laparoscopic diagnostic approach revealed a gallstone in the distal jejunum. Through a 5 cm midline incision the intestine, including the gallstone, was brought out extracorporally and the stone was removed by a simple enterolithotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful and the patient had no complaint at a 1-year follow-up. We consider the laparoscopic approach, in patients with "abdominal emergencies," feasible and safe in experienced hands. It provides diagnostic accuracy as well as therapeutic capabilities, as in the case of gallstone ileus we have reported.     

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目的 提高对胆石性肠梗阻的认识，及时明确诊断和手术治疗。方法 回顾性分析１３例胆石性肠梗阻的临床及影像学资料。结果 １３例均经手术治愈，仅３例术前确诊为胆石性肠梗阻。结论 滚动性梗阻是胆石性肠梗阻的特征，及时的Ｂ超和Ｘ线检查有助于早期明确诊断，手术解除结石梗阻是唯一的治疗手段。     

从10例肠胆石性梗阻病例中所得的启示

目的 提高肠胆石性梗阻的诊断水平和手术处理技能.方法 回顾性分析1992年1月～2007年12月间湖南省人民医院肝胆科收治的10例肠胆石性梗阻病例的临床资料.结果 10例均经手术治疗,5例桥襻结石梗阻中,4例均施桥襻切开取石,1例肠坏死施桥襻切除重建,5例回肠胆石梗阻,胆石位于距回盲瓣20～30 cm,均施肠切开取石.8例获平均4年2个月随访.效果良好率达100%.结论 肠胆石性梗阻临床少见,易于误诊,肝胆管结石是其发病的基础,只掌握其临床特征才能正确诊断和处理.     

Laparoscopic management of gallstone ileus.

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon entity that was first described by Bartholin in 1654. Despite advances in perioperative care, morbidity and mortality remain high in patients with gallstone ileus because: 1) they are geriatric patients; 2) they often have multiple comorbidities; 3) presentation to the hospital is delayed; 4) many are volume depleted with electrolyte abnormalities; and 5) the diagnosis of gallstone ileus is difficult to make. Traditional management has entailed open laparotomy with relief of intestinal obstruction by enterotomy and stone extraction. Cholecystectomy and takedown of the cholecystoenteric fistula can be performed. We propose an alternative method of management in an attempt to limit operative trauma and improve morbidity and mortality. We review the literature and describe two patients with gallstone ileus who were managed laparoscopically. One patient underwent laparoscopic assisted enterolithotomy, and the other patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy with disimpaction of the gallstone into the large bowel. They were discharged after their ileus had resolved on the fourth and sixth postoperative day, respectively. Laparoscopy is a powerful diagnostic and therapeutic tool that can be effectively used to treat gallstone ileus.     

从10例肠胆石性梗阻病例中所得的启示

目的 提高肠胆石性梗阻的诊断水平和手术处理技能.方法 回顾性分析1992年1月～2007年12月间湖南省人民医院肝胆科收治的10例肠胆石性梗阻病例的临床资料.结果 10例均经手术治疗,5例桥襻结石梗阻中,4例均施桥襻切开取石,1例肠坏死施桥襻切除重建,5例回肠胆石梗阻,胆石位于距回盲瓣20～30 cm,均施肠切开取石.8例获平均4年2个月随访.效果良好率达100%.结论 肠胆石性梗阻临床少见,易于误诊,肝胆管结石是其发病的基础,只掌握其临床特征才能正确诊断和处理.     

Biliary ileus. Our experience

Personal surgical experience of 7 cases of typical gallstone ileus and 2 cases of Bouveret's syndrome secondary to spontaneous bilio-digestive fistula of lithiasic aetiology are reported. After analysing the problems inherent in the clinical picture and the diagnostic protocol, stress is laid on the therapeutic strategies employable in the event of typical gallstone ileus. It is concluded that single stage correction of the bilio-digestive occlusion and fistula is always preferable except in patients whose general condition is very poor. Patients should initially be submitted to treatment of intestinal occlusion alone.     

Gallstone obstruction of the intestine: an analysis of ten patients and a review of the literature

Ten patients with gallstone ileus were studied to evaluate diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The preoperative diagnosis was correct in four patients. All patients underwent laparotomy. In five patients, stones were removed by enterotomy and in three patients the obstruction was relieved by manual propulsion of the stones. One-stage small-bowel resection, cholecystectomy, and biliary enteric fistula repair were performed in two patients. Four patients had uneventful recovery. One episode of recurrent gallstone ileus was encountered. Three patients died of septic complications. It is concluded from the study and from a review of the literature that treatment should be aimed at relieving the obstruction, without performing additional surgical procedures, such as cholecystectomy and fistula repair. Secondary biliary surgery is to be performed only in patients with recurrent biliary disease.     

Gallstone ileus,clinical presentation,diagnostic and treatment approach

Gallstone ileus is a mechanical intestinal obstruction due to gallstone impaction within the gastrointestinal tract. Less than 1% of cases of intestinal obstruction are derived from this etiology. The symptoms and signs of gallstone ileus are mostly nonspecific. This entity has been observed with a higher frequency among the elderly, the majority of which have concomitant medical illness. Cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic diseases should be considered as they may affect the prognosis. Surgical relief of gastrointestinal obstruction remains the mainstay of operative treatment. The current surgical procedures are:(1) simple enterolithotomy;(2) enterolithotomy, cholecystectomy and fistula closure(one-stage procedure); and(3) enterolithotomy with cholecystectomy performed later(two-stage procedure). Bowel resection is necessary in certain cases after enterolithotomy is performed. Large prospective laparoscopic and endoscopic trials are expected.     

Gallstone Ileus in a Patient with Crohn’s Disease: a Case Report

Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis. Only 0,3–0,5% of all patients with gallstones will eventually suffer from this condition. It is well known that there is an increased prevalence of gallstones among patients with Crohn’s disease, but gallstone ileus remains even in these patients an unfrequent condition. Because of the rarity of this disease and its presentation as an intestinal (sub)obstruction, mostly without biliary symptoms, diagnosis and surgical treatment are often delayed. We report the case of a 75-year-old woman with a long history of Crohn’s disease presenting with intermittent symptoms of intestinal obstruction since several weeks. Symptoms were thought to be due to recurrence of Crohn’s disease, but the patient did not respond to steroid therapy. Resection of the diseased ileocolic segment was performed and a large impacted stone was detected proximal of the stenotic segment. With this case report we want to emphasize how easily diagnosis of gallstone ileus can be missed, especially in Crohn’s patients and we would like to discuss the different treatment options.     

肠道脂肪瘤诊治的体会

目的：分析肠道脂肪瘤的主要临床特点,探讨其诊治方法。
方法：回顾性分析近15年间收治的19例肠道脂肪瘤的临床资料,诊断主要依赖于CT,钡剂灌肠,超声内镜和结肠镜等。治疗主要采用开腹和腹腔镜下局部肠段切除术等外科手术方法。
结果：该病的临床表现无特异性。发现症状时,除2例患者无症状外,其余17例肠道脂肪瘤患者均以排便习惯改变,腹痛,便血为主诉。其中13例术前术中伴有肠套叠或肠梗阻。16例行结肠镜等辅助检查者中,7例明确诊断。17例患者行外科手术治疗,术中见脂肪瘤大小直径为3.0~6.5 cm,术后均痊愈。术后病理检查显示12例为黏膜下脂肪瘤,2例溃疡形成伴糜烂,2例为肌壁间脂肪瘤,1例为小肠不典型脂肪瘤,伴恶性潜能。2例经结肠镜活检明确诊断者因无症状而定期随访。
结论：影像学检查和结肠镜检查有助于肠道脂肪瘤的术前诊断。根据肿瘤大小、有蒂或无蒂及其临床表现选择治疗方式,肠道脂肪瘤的治疗以局部肠道切除术为主,内镜下小于3 cm带蒂肿瘤可行经内镜电切术。     

Comparison of Surgical Treatments of Gallstone Ileus: Preliminary Report

Abstract Gallstone ileus is an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction, accounting for only 1% to 4% of all intestinal obstructions. In the group of patients over 65 years of age, gallstones cause about 25% of all non-strangulated obstructions of the small bowel. Gallstone ileus is burdened with high mortality rate, ranging from 12% to 18%, and most patients are of advanced age, with many other concomitant diseases that may increase the operative risk. The purpose of this study was to compare the two investigated surgical procedures: treatment of intestinal obstruction alone or combined with urgent cholecystectomy and fistula repair. Analysis of 30 patients undergoing operation for gallstone ileus at the Clinical Hospital “Sestre milosrdnice” between 1985 and 2001 is presented. Patients were treated either for ileus alone (group 1, 11 patients) or as one-stage procedure with urgent fistula closure (group 2, 19 patients). Operating time was significantly longer for the one-stage procedure. Complications occurred in 3 of 11 patients (27.3%) from group 1 and in 11 of 18 patients (61.1%) from group 2 (one tailed, p = 0.043). One patient in group 1 died and two patients in group 2 died. Urgent fistula repair was significantly associated with the occurrence of complications (odds ratio [OR] 12.1, 95% confidence internal [95% CI] 1.2–121.5). Simple enterotomy should be the procedure of choice for patients with gallstone ileus. The one-stage procedure including urgent fistula repair should be reserved only for highly selected patients with absolute indications.     

Case report: Closed-loop bowel obstruction secondary to a double gallstone ileus

Introduction and importanceIn this paper, we report an unusual case of a closed-loop bowel obstruction secondary to a double gallstone ileus. This type of pathology constitutes an emergency, and requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent further complications.Presentation of caseThe patient was a 90-year-old female who came to our emergency room with a clinical picture compatible with an acute abdomen. Imaging tests performed included a plain radiograph and abdominal CT-scan, which confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was then transferred to the operating room, and an open double enterolithotomy was performed, extracting two cylindrical gallstones with a diameter of over 2.5 cm. No treatment was given for either the gallbladder nor the biliary-enteric fistula due to the patient's physical status.Clinical discussionGallstone ileus is a rare entity, but must be taken into consideration when a patient with an abdominal obstruction arrives to the emergency department, especially when signs such as pneumobilia or visualization of the stones are detected by imaging tests. Early surgical intervention is required to avoid complications. However, addressing the biliary-enteric fistula at the same time is a sensitive procedure that may not be advisable, depending on the status of the patient. This report includes a bibliographic review of existing cases of gallstone ileus and the specifics of its diagnosis and management.ConclusionThis pathology can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention are essential to avoid complications such as intestinal gangrene and perforation. Inspecting the entire intestine during surgery is crucial for removing any additional gallstones that may be present to prevent the reappearance of symptoms.     

Gallstone ileus associated with cholecystogastric fistula: Case report,diagnosis and surgical treatment

IntroductionGallstone Ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis, associated with multiple episodes of cholecystitis, with the formation of adhesions and fistulas between the gallbladder and adjacent organs. Its diagnosis is difficult, requiring complementary imaging tests such as computed tomography or radiography.Presentation of caseFemale patient, with intestinal obstruction for 7 days, associated with abdominal pain and previous episodes of pain in the right hypochondrium for 3 months. Abdominal CT scan identified aerobilia, gallstone impacted in the ileocecal valve and small loop dilatation, in addition to a probable cholecystogastric fistula. Opted for exploratory laparotomy, enterolithotomy and fistula correction in one surgical time.DiscussionGallstone ileus is rare among the complications of cholelithiasis, in addition to the fact that cholecystogastric fistula is associated with gastric pylorus obstruction and not impaction on the ileocecal valve. Imaging tests are useful to complement the diagnosis, and if Rigler's triad is present, the suspicion of gallstone ileus is increased. The presence of fistula between the gallbladder and stomach presents a frequency between 0 and 13.3%. There is no gold standard treatment for gallstone ileus, but surgery options for each type of patient and severity level.ConclusionThere is no definitive protocol for optimal surgical treatment for biliary ileus, but the possibility of enterolithotomy associated with cholecystectomy and fistula correction can be evaluated in selected patients.     

Jejunal Gallstone Ileus: An Unusual Site of Gallstone Impaction

Introduction  Gallstone ileus is a life-threatening surgical emergency where characteristic imaging can be diagnostic. Jejunum is the one of the rare sites of gallstone impaction. Materials and Methods  We hereby emphasize the role of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) by describing a case of jejunal gallstone ileus with cholecystoduodenal fistula in a 59-year-old lady who presented with symptoms and signs of proximal small bowel obstruction. Conclusion  MDCT of the abdomen established the diagnosis, and the patient managed surgically.     

Gallstone Ileus After Biliointestinal Bypass: Report of Two Cases

Introduction

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon disease and accounts for 1–4 % of all cases of mechanical intestinal obstruction. The physiopathology is related to the presence of a bilioenteric fistula.

Method

We report two cases of gallstone ileus in patients operated on biliointestinal bypass for morbid obesity. The anastomosis of the gallbladder to the proximal end of the bypassed jejunum allowed the transit of gallstones in the excluded ileum and its impaction in anti-reflux valvular system.

Results

Preoperative exams were unable to solve the diagnostic query, and the diagnosis was achieved only at laparotomy. One-stage combined enterolithotomy and cholecystectomy were performed.

Conclusion

The two patients had an uneventful recovery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of gallstone ileus after biliointestinal bypass.     

Gallstone ileus presenting as intussusception: A case report

BackgroundGallstone ileus is a complication of acute cholecystitis that accounts for 25% of bowel obstruction cases in the elderly. To our knowledge, only one other case of gallstone ileus presenting as intussusception has been reported in the literature, and involved non-operative management with an unfavorable outcome.Case presentationHere we report the case of 69 year old woman presenting with symptoms of acute small bowel obstruction with a surgical history significant for cholecystectomy 30 years prior. Computed tomographic imaging showed a target sign in the small bowel consistent with intussusception, but intraoperative diagnosis revealed this to be a gallstone. A simple enterolithotomy was conducted and the patient has since been symptom free.DiscussionGallstone ileus has a high mortality rate (12–17%) and is an important differential diagnosis to consider, especially as the elderly population throughout the world continues to grow.ConclusionAs radiographic features of gallstones are variable we suggest maintaining a high index of suspicion for gallstone ileus in any elderly patient presenting with SBO, even with a seemingly contradictory surgical history.     

Der Gallensteinileus —ein diagnostisches und indikatorisches Problem —Bericht über 35 Patienten

Zusammenfassung Die Analyse der Krankheitsverläufe und Untersuchungsbefunde von 35 Patienten, die von 1970–1984 in der Abteilung Allgemeinchirurgie der Chirurgischen Universitätsklinik Freiburg operiert wurden, zeigt, daß die klassischen Symptome dieser Erkrankung — zweizeitiges Ereignis, Dünndarmileus bei Aerobilie — nur in 20% der Fälle nachweisbar sind. Ein Dünndarmileus bei älteren, nicht voroperierten Patientinnen mit einem Krankheitsverlauf von 3 und mehr Tagen sollte auch bei wenig eindrucksvollem klinischen Befund an einen Gallensteinileus denken lassen. Die alleinige Durchführung der Enterolithotomie hat sich als Standardverfahren mit geringer postoperativer Letalität bewährt.

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Gallstone ileus — A problem of diagnosis and indication — Report of 35 cases

Summary The clinical data of 35 patients with gallstone ileus treated between 1970 and 1984 at the Department of Surgery of the University Hospital of Freiburg were retrospectively analysed with respect to duration of symptoms prior to surgery, preoperative diagnostic, operative procedure and outcome. No reliable test could be found that will lead the clinician to the correct diagnosis in most cases. The classical sign of gallstone ileus — small bowel obstruction combined with pneumobilia in the plain abdominal X-ray — was apparent only in 20%. So, a high index of suspicion, especially in old female patients with small bowel obstruction and prompt surgical intervention will decrease mortality. Enterotomy with removal of the stone without simultaneous cholecystectomy can be recommended as a safe procedure even in very old patients.