An obstruction of the small bowel, occurring typically but not exclusively in elderly female patients and caused by the trapping of a large gallstone at or near the ileocecal valve. Most gallstones responsible for ileus are greater than 2.5 cm in diameter.
The blockage of the large intestine occurs when a gallstone obstructs the opening of the intestinal passage, leading to an obstruction in the digestive system.
Gallstone ileus occurs when a gallstone migrates from the biliary tract and blocks the small intestine. It can be a complication of cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder. Symptoms may include intense abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, and a lack of bowel movements. Typically, surgery is required to remove the gallstone, and in many cases, the gallbladder is also removed during the same procedure.