Biliary ileus as a complication of cholecystolithiasis. A case report

Background: Biliary ileus is a complication that can arise from cholecystolithiasis, manifesting as an intestinal obstruction caused by the migration of one or more gallstones from the gallbladder to the intestine through a fistula. Despite its non-specific presentation, it is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, colic, abdominal distension, discomfort in the upper right quadrant, and other signs of an acute abdomen, complicating its diagnosis. It is uncommon for the stones to pass spontaneously, making surgical intervention necessary to resolve the obstruction. However, there is no consensus on the optimal surgical technique. Given its proven safety, enterolithotomy via laparotomy is the most mentioned procedure, especially in patients with comorbidities or hemodynamic instability. This study highlights the importance of carefully selecting the appropriate surgical approach, considering the patient’s specific conditions. Key words: Biliary ileus.