Introduction.

Gallstone ileus is a rare complication of cholelithiasis, its incidence varies from 1% to 4%. It consists of the migration of a stone from the gallbladder to the gastrointestinal tract, causing intestinal obstruction. It presents with non-specific symptoms depending on the level of the obstruction, which means that its diagnosis is not usually early, with repercussions on the clinical deterioration of the patient, being serious especially in elderly patients and with comorbidities.

Clinical cases.

Two patients with diffuse abdominal pain are reported. A tomographic diagnosis was made showing gallstone ileus. Surgeries were performed, in the first case using an open technique and a 2-step strategy, and on the second one using a laparoscopic technique.

Discussion.

Gallstone ileus is a rare etiology of intestinal obstruction. Symptoms are usually poorly characterized: diffuse abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, absence of flatus. The diagnosis is made by abdominal tomography in which Rigler’s triad is evident. Management is surgical through enterotomy to remove the stone and resolve the obstruction.

Conclusion.

Gallstone ileus is a rare pathology that should be considered in the approach to intestinal obstruction. Surgical management is key to resolving intestinal obstruction. Even so, it generates significant morbidity and mortality, especially in elderly patients.

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