Small-intestinal Enteroliths - Unusual cause of small intestinal obstruction - Report of three cases

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report on a rare cause of small-intes tinal obstruction caused by small-intestinal enteroliths. METHODS: We prese nt three different cases of enterolith formation in the small intestine. On e occurred after nontropical sprue, one patient had multiple jejunal divert icula, and another patient had enterolith formation in a blind loop after a small-bowel side-to-side anastomosis. RESULTS: After initial conservative therapeutic approach all patients underwent surgery. In two patients the en teroliths were removed by ileotomy or jejunostomy. In the third patient the bowel anastomosis had to be revised after removal of the enterolith. CONCL USION: small-intestinal enteroliths may cause small-bowel obstruction. The first therapeutic approach is nonsurgical; however, if obstruction proceeds , surgical removal with or without revision of underlying pathology is nece ssary. We discuss the causes and therapeutic management of enteroliths and give a review of related literature.