K56.3: Gallstone ileus

The intestines are made up of the small intestine and the large intestine or colon. Most of the nutrients are absorbed in the small intestine. The large intestine (colon) is where water and salt are withdrawn from the stool. The last segment of the large intestine (colon) is the rectum. Stool then leaves the body through the anus.

If the intestinal muscles are no longer able to properly convey the intestinal contents through the intestines, these contents may be jammed and clog the intestines. This is also called an intestinal obstruction or ileus.

The gallbladder can be irritated by gallstones and become inflamed. In your case, a large gallstone has formed in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is in the top right part of the abdomen below the liver. The liver produces bile. The bile flows through bile ducts to the gallbladder and is stored there. When needed, the bile flows through another bile duct to the intestine. There, the bile helps to digest fats.

If the gallbladder has been inflamed for a considerable time, the surrounding tissue can be severely damaged. As a result, an additional connecting passage between the gallbladder and intestines may develop. In your case, a gallstone has gotten into the intestines via such a connecting passage and has caused an obstruction in your intestines.

If you have an intestinal obstruction, you may vomit. It is also possible that you will have pain in your abdomen. Your abdomen may be thicker than normal, because you have a lot of air, feces and fluid in your intestines. If you have an intestinal obstruction, you may be very sick.