Bouveret’s syndrome

The majority of patients with gallstones do well, but a small percentage of patients develop complications including rare complications as cholecystoduodenal fistulas. Such a complication could result in the presentation of the Bouveret’s syndrome. It is defined as gastric outlet obstruction caused by duodenal impaction of a large gallstone which passes into the duodenal bulb through a cholecystogastric or cholecystoduodenal fistula. Clinical symptoms are unspecific: vomiting (86%), abdominal pain (71%) wheight loss and anorexia. Diagnosis is made by via endoscopy, supported by computed tomography. Treatment options include endoscopic extraction, endoscopic laser lithotripsy and surgery.

Am J Gastroenterol. 2006;101(9):2139-46.