Introduction:

Biliary ileus (BI) is a very rare mechanical intestinal obstruction, responsible for 1-4% of all intestinal obstructions and more frequent in elderly patients. It occurs through a bilioenteric fistula in the small bowel, mainly in the distal ileum. After a diagnostic imaging approach, the vast majority opt for surgical treatment to remove the impacted stone or stones. The success of this intervention depends largely on the size of the stone, the location of the bowel obstruction and pre-existing comorbidities.

Case report:

78-year-old woman with clinical symptoms of intestinal obstruction, fecaloid emesis, respiratory symptoms, concentric mass at the level of the distal ileum and concomitant pneumonic process in the thoraco-abdominal CT scan. Exploratory laparotomy was performed, with total lithotomy, extraction of the calculus and ileo-ileal anastomosis, and she was transferred to the ICU, where she presented ventilatory failure and required mechanical ventilation. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed with RT-PCR.

Discussion:

IB is an intestinal obstruction that occurs more frequently in elderly patients. The pathophysiology and the mechanism of production of enteric fistula are discussed and diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical options are presented to guide the most appropriate clinical management.

Conclusion:

Enteric fistula is difficult to diagnose. Due to its low incidence, there is no consensus on the management of patients diagnosed with IB. Although the standard treatment is surgical intervention, there are divergent opinions as to the type of surgery to be performed.