Bouveret’s Syndrome

Published: 03/30/2012

Authors: Frei-Lanter CM, Heinrich S, Bauerfeind P and Frei P

An 84-year-old man presented with a one-day history of epigastric pain and vomiting. Computed tomography revealed Bouveret’s syndrome: gallstone ileus in which the gallstone is lodged in the duodenum or stomach. The 6-cm large gallstone could not be removed endoscopically. Endoscopic shock-wave lithotripsy could only downsize the gallstone, which moved down beyond the ligament of Treitz. Due to jejunal perforation, a small bowel resection was necessary. The fistula from gallbladder to duodenum was not disturbed because of a lack of symptoms.