Spontaneous resolution of a gallstone ileus

Gallstone ileus is an uncommon complication of cholelithiasis, usually associated with an internal biliary fistula. Management of gallstone ileus is surgical with enterolithotomy the procedure of choice, followed by fistula closure either as a one or two stage procedure. In this case a 66 year old female presented with colicky abdominal pain, computed tomography (CT) clearly showing a gallstone ileus and cholecystoduodenal fistula. Despite this the patient refused surgery and went on to have spontaneous resolution of the obstruction and passage of gallstones.