Subacute intestinal obstruction by enterolith: a case study

Abstract

IntroductionEnteroliths are an uncommon entity in humans and form a rare cause of subacute intestinal obstruction. They occur proximal to stricture or in a diverticulum or a blind loop due to stasis.Case description40 years male presenting with intermittent right lower abdominal pain since 1 year. Barium meal follow-through and CT abdomen diagnosed as a case of subacute intestinal obstruction with an enterolith in the distal ileal segment. On exploratory laparotomy multiple ileal strictures with mesenteric adhesions were noted. An enterolith was delivered from one of the segments between two strictures followed by segmental resection of the pathological ileal segment with ileo-ileal anastomoses. Histopathology of the ileal segment showed inflammatory infiltrates.Discussion and EvaluationIt was a case of a primary enterolith formed due to stasis between ileal strictures causing subacute intestinal obstruction.ConclusionAn enterolith should also be considered while evaluating a case of intestinal obstruction as one of the rare differentials.

Jejunal Enterolith: A Rare Case of Small Bowel Obstruction

“…Enteroliths are formed in conditions contributing to hypomotility and stasis within the gastrointestinal tract [5]. These include Crohn's disease, traumatic or post-surgical strictures, anastomotic sites, and intestinal diverticulae [1,6].…”

Intestinal stones: A rare cause of bowel obstruction

“…), blind pouches, afferent loops, or diverticulae, is the root cause of primary enterolith formation. 1,2 Secondary-type enteroliths are formed in the organs outside of the gastrointestinal tract and then migrate into the bowel, with the most common type being gallstones. 3 Tuberculous stricture is the most common cause of intestinal stones.…”