The Rolling Stones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Management of Gallstone Ileus

Gallstone ileus is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from the migration of gallstones into the gastrointestinal tract, which often necessitates surgical intervention. Three surgical procedures are well known and are practiced in clinical medicine; they include entero-lithotomy alone, entero-lithotomy with cholecystectomy, and enterolithotomy with fistula closure. However, there is no consensus regarding the best surgical approach as far as mortality, morbidity, and operative outcomes are concerned. The objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis are to assess the relative efficacy and safety of these surgical procedures.