Gallstone ileus. A retrospective study.

Eight patients have been admitted with gallstone ileus (GSI) to the Herning Central Hospital during the period 1960--1977. All of the patients were subjected to enterolithotomy only. One patient died postoperatively. On follow-up examination 6 months to 11 1/2 years after operation, one patient complained of a recurrence of cholecystitis, but refused operation. The other patients had no biliary tract complaints. We still consider, due to the above, that enterolithotomy alone is a sufficient primary procedure, and that only in cases of new biliary tract complaints can cholecystectomy and closure of an eventual fistula be considered.