treatment
Last reviewed 01/2018
Gallstone ileus should be treated by emergency laparotomy and removal of the obstructing stone through a small enterotomy. The proximal intestine should be carefully inspected for other calculi which might cause post-operative recurrence.
Cholecystectomy is advised if chronic gallbladder symptoms occur after the initial operation. The fistula itself is rarely the source of the trouble since it closes spontaneously in most patients.