Atypical Gallstone Ileus in a Young Adult: A Diagnostic Challenge and Surgical Resolution

TL;DR

A 40-year-old woman with no medical history experienced gallstone ileus, a rare bowel blockage caused by gallstones, and was successfully treated with surgery.

Contribution

This case highlights the diagnostic and surgical management of gallstone ileus in a young adult with no prior medical history.

Findings

The patient exhibited Rigler’s triad, confirming gallstone ileus.

Surgical intervention successfully removed multiple gallstones.

Early imaging and surgery led to an uneventful recovery.

Abstract

Gallstone ileus is a rare but serious complication of cholelithiasis resulting in mechanical bowel obstruction. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman with no prior medical history who developed classic features of gallstone ileus. Radiological investigations revealed Rigler’s triad (small bowel obstruction, pneumobilia, ectopic gallstone), and the patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and enterotomy with successful extraction of multiple gallstones. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and this case emphasizes the importance of early imaging and surgical intervention in such cases.

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