An uncommon etiology of small bowel obstruction: Gallstone ileus

Gallstone ileus is a rare etiology of small bowel obstruction, occurring typically in the elderly population. The delay in diagnosis often results in significant morbidity and mortality. Here, we describe a case of 67 year old woman who presented with non specific abdominal symptoms and on evaluation was found to have small bowel obstruction caused by wedging of a large gallstone at the terminal ileum. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010;5:E21–E22. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.