Final answer:
Gallstone ileus (A) is the condition where gallstones create a fistula to the small bowel, potentially causing an obstruction. It is a rare complication of gallstone disease that can lead to significant health issues and typically requires surgical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The condition in which gallstones erode from the gallbladder, creating a fistula to the small bowel that may cause a bowel obstruction is known as Gallstone ileus (A). This occurs when a gallstone blocks the intestines, particularly the ileum, which is the last part of the small intestine. This condition can lead to a mechanical obstruction of the bowel and is a rare but serious complication of gallstone disease.
Large gallstones may get stuck in the bile duct, leading to pain and jaundice. When these stones obstruct the bile duct, bilirubin backs up into the liver and bloodstream, causing jaundice with a characteristic yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. In severe cases, a gallstone can create a fistula and travel into the intestinal tract, potentially causing an obstruction as seen in Gallstone ileus.
Surgical removal of the gallbladder is often advised for severe cases, and although it does not seriously affect digestion, the liver’s bile becomes more dilute and its release into the small intestine is less controlled. Digestive enzymes from the pancreas are still important for breaking down fats, as pancreatitis can also occur due to gallstones.