PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

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When gallstones obstruct the intestinal tract, what condition can result?

Intestinal volvulus
Gallstone ileus
Intestinal perforation
Acute appendicitis

The correct answer is: Gallstone ileus

When gallstones obstruct the intestinal tract, the condition that results is gallstone ileus. This occurs when a gallstone passes through a fistula between the gallbladder and the intestine, typically the duodenum, and subsequently travels downstream, causing a mechanical obstruction in the gastrointestinal tract. In this scenario, the larger gallstone can block the intestinal lumen, which leads to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and distention. Imaging studies, such as an abdominal X-ray or CT scan, may reveal the presence of a gallstone within the bowel, which is characteristic of gallstone ileus. Other potential complications related to gallstones include acute cholecystitis or pancreatitis, but these are not direct results of gallstones obstructing the intestinal tract. Thus, the specific obstruction due to gallstones leading to an intestinal blockage is well-defined as gallstone ileus.