Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of gallstones and is a comparatively unique cause of intestinal obstruction. It involves the development of a cholecysto-enteric fistula through which a gallstone can pass into the gastrointestinal tract. Spontaneous resolution of intestinal obstruction in gallstone ileus is extremely rare. We report a 71-year-old patient who presented with right hypochondrial pain for four months. She had a three-day history of absolute constipation and abdominal distention two months before presentation that resolved spontaneously. Computed tomography revealed pneumobilia. Laparoscopic exploration showed a cholecysto-duodenal fistula that was divided, the opening in the first part duodenum was closed and cholecystectomy was completed successfully. The presence of pneumobilia in a patient with gallstones should raise the suspicion of bilio-enteric fistula. The obstruction component of gallstone ileus can resolve spontaneously in rare occasions. Single stage laparoscopic management of cholecysto-duodenal fistula is safe and feasible in the presence of an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.
Keywords: gallstone ileus – pneumobilia − intestinal obstruction − cholecysto-duodenal fistula − laparoscopy.