Obstruction of the duodenal bulb caused by gallstone perforation.

Because of acute symptoms in the upper abdomen, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in a 75-year-old female patient. A large (5 cm x 10 cm) perforated gallstone was embedded in the duodenum, causing complete obstruction of the duodenal bulb. The stone was removed via pylorotomy. A fistula remained between the gallbladder and the duodenum. Cholecystectomy was not carried out because of the unfavourable cardiac condition of the patients. There was no complications.