What is gallstone ileus?

Small bowel obstruction caused by a gallstone; the ileocecal valve is the most common site of obstruction. Most often a large stone has eroded a hole through the gallbladder wall to the duodenum, causing a cholecystenteric fistula. A gallstone escapes through this hole into the GI tract and eventually gets stuck in the ileum, causing small bowel obstruction. INCIDENCE Most common in women over 70. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS Symptoms of acute cholecystitis followed by signs of small bowel obstruction (nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, RUQ pain).