Intraluminal Bowel Erosion: A Rare Complication of Retained Gallstones after Cholecystectomy

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis and cholelithiasis is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. Inadvertent perforation and spillage of gallbladder contents are not uncommon. The potential impact of subsequent retained gallstones is understated. We present the case of an intraperitoneal gallstone retained from a previous cholecystectomy eroding into the bowel and leading to intraluminal mechanical bowel obstruction requiring operative intervention. This case illustrates the potential risks of retained gallstones and reinforces the need to diligently collect any dropped stones at the time of initial operation.