Bouveret Syndrome: Case Report of a Rare and Fatal Complication of Gallstone Ileus

Bouveret syndrome is an exceptionally rare but potentially fatal complication of cholelithiasis. It is characterized by gastric outlet obstruction caused by the formation of a cholecystogastric fistula and subsequent migration and impaction of gallstones in the stomach or duodenum. A 57-year-old fem...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Harika Mandava, Venkata Renuka Inuganti, Tejeswini Vaddatti, Sudhakar Ramamoorthy
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2025-07-01
Series:Current Medical Issues
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Online Access:https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/cmi.cmi_14_25
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Summary:Bouveret syndrome is an exceptionally rare but potentially fatal complication of cholelithiasis. It is characterized by gastric outlet obstruction caused by the formation of a cholecystogastric fistula and subsequent migration and impaction of gallstones in the stomach or duodenum. A 57-year-old female presented with a 15-day history of persistent vomiting, and abdominal pain and was clinically diagnosed as gastric outlet obstruction. Imaging revealed a partially distended gallbladder with calculi and perforation with a fistulous tract formed between the gallbladder and gastric pylorus. The patient underwent laparotomy during which the distal portion of the stomach and the gallbladder were resected. Gross examination revealed a cholecystogastric fistula with multiple impacted pigmented gall stones. Histological features confirm the diagnosis of Bouveret syndrome. The postoperative course was uneventful. This case highlights the significance of considering Bouveret syndrome in patients with cholecystitis presenting with gastric outlet obstruction. Delayed diagnosis can lead to serious complications such as gastric perforation, peritonitis, sepsis, and multi-organ failure. Early recognition and appropriate surgical intervention are crucial in managing this life-threatening condition effectively.
ISSN:0973-4651
2666-4054