What is rigler triad?

Rigler's triad, also known as the gallstone ileus triad, is a medical condition that is characterized by three specific symptoms: small bowel obstruction, pneumobilia (air in the bile ducts), and gallstones that present outside of the gallbladder. This condition is relatively rare and is typically seen in older adults with a history of significant gallstone disease. The obstructing gallstone causes a perforation in the gallbladder or occasionally a fistula with the duodenum, which leads to the escape of air into the biliary tract resulting in pneumobilia. Diagnosis is usually made via abdominal imaging studies, and treatment involves surgery to remove the obstructing gallstone and repair any resulting gastrointestinal damage. Without treatment, the condition can lead to serious complications including bowel perforation and infection, and even death.