Bouveret’s syndrome and cholecystogastric fistula: a case-report and review of the literature

Abstract

An exceptionally rare cause of gastric outlet obstruction, Bouveret's syndrome results from proximal impaction of an ectopic gallstone, enabled by fistulization that aberrantly connects the biliary and luminal gastrointestinal tract, typically a cholecystoduodenal fistula. It occurs with a 2:1 female predominance, most often in the eighth decade of life. Endoscopic treatment is the preferred first-line strategy in management, followed by surgical intervention if unsuccessful. Endoscopy failed to retrieve the stone due to its size, despite attempted lithotripsy, which prompted laparoscopic retrieval. Bouveret's syndrome compels a high index of suspicion in proximal gastrointestinal obstruction even when presenting in a male a decade younger than the median age of diagnosis (74years), with no preceding biliary symptoms particularly as early intervention can considerably reduce morbidity and mortality.