Bouveret Syndrome: A Rare Form of Gallstone Ileus

Abstract

Bouveret's syndrome is a rare variant of gallstone ileus characterized by a gastric outlet obstruction due to the impaction of a gallstone lodged in the duodenum, resulting from a cholecystoduodenal fistula. It accounts for only one to three percent of cases of gallstone ileus. We examine a case of Bouveret syndrome in an elderly Japanese female who presented with vomiting and decreased oral intake. Subsequent imaging found a gallstone ileus due to a bilioduodenal fistula. She underwent exploratory laparotomy enterolithotomy which found a large black gallstone located in the small bowel and confirmed the presence of the fistula. Despite its relative rarity, Bouveret syndrome carries a high risk of morbidity and mortality.