A fistula between the gallbladder and stomach is an uncommon condition that can be life-threatening, especially in the elderly.
The fistula often enters through the pylorus.
Causes may include:
(1) severe acute cholecystitis
(2) iatrogenic (percutaneous cholecystostomy tube, other)
(3) gallbladder cancer
Presentations may include:
(1) epigastric pain
(2) vomiting, which may be bilious
(3) nausea
Diagnosis:
(1) presence of gallstones in the stomach
(2) upper GI endoscopy
(3) imaging studies
Complications:
(1) small bowel obstruction (Bouveret syndrome) or gastric outlet obstruction
(2) gastrointestinal bleeding
(3) cholangitis
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Specialty: Gastroenterology
