[Gallstone ileus--is it possible to reduce the still high mortality rate? An analysis of personal cases and review of the literature].

Acute intestinal obstruction caused by gallstones: we report about our own experience with 13 patients and discuss this topic by referring to the current literature. Since there is indeed a tendency towards multimorbidity in our high-aged population, a gallstone ileus should always be included in the differential diagnosis of acute intestinal obstruction in the elderly. We put emphasis on a less traumatic operative procedure (enterolithotomy). Good results can be achieved (in terms of postoperative mortality) by operating at the early onset of symptoms.