Duodenal Obstruction by Gallstones (Bouveret’s Syndrome): a Review of the Literature

Bouveret's syndrome, first described in 1896, is gastric obstruction by a gallstone following a cholecystoduodenal fistula. Endoscopy is the mainstay of diagnosis, but radiographic examination such as upper gastrointestinal contrast series and abdominal radiography can also contribute to the diagnosis. Diagnosis by computed tomography and ultrasonography has also been described. The syndrome can be diagnosed and treated endoscopically, with stone extraction or mechanical lithotripsy. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy has also been used successfully. Surgery is required in over 90% of cases, with mortality rates ranging from 19% to 24%. One-stage and two-stage procedures have been described, including enterolithotomy, cholecystectomy, and fistula repair, no convincing data are available to show which of these two approaches provides a better outcome. Although the condition is rare, Bouveret's syndrome should be considered in elderly patients with a history of chronic cholecystitis who present with pain, vomiting or haematemesis.