Gastrointestinal obstruction secondary to chronic obstructive nephrolithiasis: A case report

Background Nephrolithiasis is a common urologic condition, with increasing prevalence in the United States. This can often present with flank pain and hematuria; however, sequelae such as hydroureteronephrosis, forniceal rupture, and pyelonephritis can lead to more severe complications. Case Presentation This case report describes a 43‐year‐old female who presented to the hospital with left upper quadrant pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. Imaging revealed an obstructive 0.7 cm kidney stone at the right ureterovesical junction with severe hydroureteronephrosis resulting in mass effect on the duodenum and upstream gastric dilation. Percutaneous nephrostomy placement resolved both the hydroureteronephrosis and the secondary gastrointestinal obstruction. Conclusion This case study highlights the rare complication of bowel obstruction caused by obstructive nephrolithiasis, underscoring the diverse clinical presentations of nephrolithiasis and the importance of timely, conservative management to avoid clinical decompensation.