Bouveret syndrome (BS) is an uncommon manifestation of gallstone disease characterized by gastric outflow obstruction where the gallstone gets lodged in the duodenum or pylorus [¹]. BS has been linked to a high mortality rate of up to 27% and can cause serious complications, particularly in elderly patients or those with comorbidities. Due to the rarity and non-specific presentation of BS, diagnosing it can be difficult [²]. A correct and prompt diagnosis is essential for enhancing prognosis, lowering morbidity, and preventing death [³]. Here, we present a case of BS with a large gallstone causing gastric outlet obstruction for which a trapezoid RX wire-guided retrieval basket (Boston Scientific) is used during EGD without surgical intervention.

A 78-year-old female patient presented with a two-month history of worsening abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The patient reported a decreased appetite and unintentional weight loss but no history of hematemesis, melena, dysphagia, fever, or rigors. Her medical history included type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation, NSAID due to sciatica, and a history of chronic calculous cholecystitis with an unremarkable surgical history. She was afebrile, slightly hypertensive, and had an irregular heart rate. Physical examination revealed abdominal distension and tenderness in the epigastric region with no organomegaly.

On initial laboratory evaluation, she had a hemoglobin level of 9.3 g/dL and a white cell count of 15.3 × 109/L with elevated CRP 12 mg/dl. Serum creatinine was 1.4 mg/dL, and random blood sugar was 295 mg/dL with no acetone in urine. Her amylase and lipase were 52 U/L and 65 U/L, respectively. Bilirubin was normal with an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level of 155 U/l (normal range, 40–120 U/l) and a \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}$\gamma$\end{document}γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) level of 99 U/l (normal, <37 U/l). Diagnostic workup, including an abdominal X-ray and CT scan, confirmed the presence of a large gallstone causing gastric outlet obstruction with a fistulous tract between the gallbladder and the duodenum and a dilated proximal stomach .

After careful assessment and evaluation, an upper GI endoscopy was performed to relieve the gastric outlet obstruction. The gastroscope was inserted after endotracheal intubation, and the obstructing gallstone was visualized in the pyloric ring obstructing the lumen . We decided to use the trapezoid RX wire-guided retrieval basket (Boston Scientific), which is designed to crush and remove stones in the biliary duct. We may use the Alliance™ II Inflation Handle for mechanical lithotripsy to crush large stones trapped within the basket with the scope in place. However, after several trials, stone extraction failed. So, we decided to try to mobilize the large stone to the stomach. The biliary extractor balloon catheter was inflated up to 18 mm distal to the obstructing stone, and the stone was successfully retrieved into the stomach with difficulty. A trapezoid basket was introduced through the endoscope’s working channel and used to crush, grasp, and extract the large gallstone, which measures 4 cm × 3.6 cm, and to facilitate the extraction of the stone through the cardia and esophagus without impaction or perforation. The remaining stones were retrieved without any complications . Finally, gastric outflow was restored after three hours of working in a single session.

The patient experienced immediate relief, and post-procedure monitoring showed a steady recovery without any complications. The patient tolerated a regular diet, and subsequent imaging studies confirmed the absence of residual gallstones or signs of obstruction.

Bouveret’s syndrome (BS) is a rare subtype of gallstone ileus making up about 1%-3% of cases [⁴]. Repeated episodes of cholecystitis result in inflammation and adhesions between the gallbladder and the GI tract which most commonly involves the duodenum but can also involve the stomach. Pressure necrosis by fairly large calculus results in fistula formation, which predisposes to a migrating calculus, causing either obstruction or ileus [⁵].

BS is usually seen in elderly females, with a median age of 74 and a history of cholelithiasis or cholecystitis. Patients present with vague symptoms of gastric outlet or bowel obstruction that usually include nausea or vomiting and sometimes hematemesis or melena [⁵]. Non-specific presenting symptoms not only make diagnosis challenging but also increase morbidity and mortality [⁴].

Multiple diagnostic modalities can be used in the workup for BS, but CT and EGD are the most widely utilized diagnostic modalities with the highest specificity and sensitivity (95% and 100% in the former). EGD is the most commonly used modality in patients presenting with overt bleeding. CT with contrast can also be used in diagnosis, with the extravasated contrast outlining the fistula [⁶]. In our case, Abdominal X-rays followed by CT were sufficient to reach a definitive diagnosis of BS.

In terms of BS management, endoscopy utilization is especially worthwhile in elderly patients with significant comorbidities [⁷]. However, a study done by Howells et al. showed up to 91% failure of endoscopic and percutaneous extraction despite the availability of expert providers [⁸]. Nevertheless, various endoscopic techniques have been shown to be successful [⁹]. For example, Endoscopic Electrohydraulic Lithotripsy (EHL) has been utilized by Avci et al. to help dissolve a 3 cm biliary stone lodged at the proximal duodenum [¹⁰].

In another case, gastric outflow was restored endoscopically in a poor surgical candidate with a pigmented gallstone using Roth Net Platinum Universal Retriever [¹¹]. In case EGD fails, surgery is required. Traditional methods like open gastrotomy, pylorotomy, or duodenotomy are often used but are less preferred due to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Laparoscopy is also used in some cases where open surgery is not an option. For elderly patients who are not suitable candidates for surgery due to increased surgical risks, a two-step procedure is considered. This involves first removing the stone and then performing cholecystectomy and fistula repair [¹²].

In conclusion, using the trapezoid RX wire-guided retrieval basket (Boston Scientific) along with Alliance™ II Inflation Handle for mechanical lithotripsy and the biliary extractor balloon catheter, as described in this endoscopic approach to treating BS, may improve patient outcomes.