GALLSTONE ILEUS

Gallstone ileus is a well known but uncommon cause of bowel obstruction. The correct diagnosis, confirmed at laparotomy, was made preoperatively in 43 % of collected series. The surgical procedure should be limited to dealing with the obstruction. Simple enterolithotomy is both safe and effective in dealing with a patient with gallstone ileus. Most patients will have no further problems. In this report we present a case with gallstone ileus treated by drawing the gallstone through the intestine to the anus withouth enterotomy. Thus morbidity due to enterotomy is avoided.