An unusual case of gallstone ileus 35 years post-cholecystectomy masked by an incisional hernia

Abstract

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon cause of mechanical bowel obstruction in patients with cholecystitis and gallstones who develop a fistula over time. In the post-cholecystectomy patient, the presence of gallstone ileus is extremely rare; these patients have different pathophysiological pathways, such as a spilled gallstone that subsequently erodes into the bowel, subtotal cholecystectomies, and diverticulae that can hold a gallstone for hidden several years. In these patients, the clinical presentations are unique because of their rarity and because the gallbladder had been previously removed. A high index of suspicion by the medical team is needed for diagnosis. We present the case of an 85-year-old male who had a history of cholecystectomy 35 years ago. He presented to the emergency department with intestinal obstruction. Since he had a hernia, it was thought to be the cause of the obstruction; however, during surgery, we were surprised to find a gallstone ileus. After surgery, he fully recovered.