Abstract

Introduction

Gallstone-related mechanical gastrointestinal tract obstruction is infrequent, manifesting in only 0.3%-0.5% of cholelithiasis cases. Typically, stones exceeding 2 cm find themselves lodged in the terminal ileum. However, in Bouveret's syndrome which is observed in 1 to 3% of instances the impaction occurs in the duodenum causing gastric outlet obstruction. The epidemiology and prevalence of gallstone impaction in the proximal jejunum remain inadequately documented, making this a rare case.

Case Report

An 83-year-old patient with known cholelithiasis and choledocholithiasis presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting a week after undergoing ERCP, sphincterotomy and partial duct clearance. The presence of repeated bilious vomiting prompted investigation with abdominal CT scan. This revealed an approximately 4.5 cm gallstone impacted in the proximal jejunum, prompting emergency laparotomy which confirmed that the stone was impacted 10-15 cm from the dudeno-jejunal junction. Jejunotomy, stone extraction with primary closure was performed. Post-operative recovery was uneventful.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates gallstone impaction in the proximal jejunum causing bowel obstruction and necessitating emergency intervention. Timely diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention led to a successful outcome. The case highlights the need for awareness and consideration of the entire spectrum of possible gallstone-related complications in the acutely presenting patient with gall stones.

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