Faecolith arising from jejunal diverticulosis: an unusual cause of small bowel obstruction in the virgin abdomen

Migrating faecolith: an unusual case of small bowel obstruction

“…A faecolith or enterolith is a rare cause of bowel obstruction, with few case reports in the literature . This is the first reported case of a large bowel faecolith causing a small bowel obstruction by means of an entero‐colic fistula.…”

“…Enteroliths are thought to form from stasis and precipitation of choleic acid, the end product of bile salt metabolism . Faecoliths can remain in diverticular and lead to complications, such as bowel obstruction, bleeding and perforation from pressure necrosis …”

“…This case highlights that faecoliths should be considered as an uncommon cause of small bowel obstruction. There have been a number of reports of complications from faecolith's arising from jejunal diverticular disease, and some rare cases of perforated Meckel's diverticulum due to faecolith . Management of these patients is often initially approached conservatively, however they typically do not progress and require surgery .…”

“…Depending on the aetiology, a range of operative techniques may be used. The enterolith may be crushed and milked into the distal colon, or removed via distal enterotomy . In appropriate cases, this may be approached laparoscopically.…”

Perforated jejunal diverticulum: a case report

“…6 A rare case of a large faecolith originating from a jejunal diverticulum leading to small bowel obstruction has also been recently published. 7 Any patient with known JD presenting with localized peritonitis should evoke a high suspicion of a perforation of the JD. Laparotomy or laparoscopy may be used to manage the perforation.…”