Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and appendectomy in situs inversus totalis

Situs inversus totalis is an uncommon anatomic anomaly that complicates diagnosis and management of acute abdominal pain. Expedient diagnosis of common intraperitoneal disease processes such as biliary colic, acute appendicitis and diverticulitis is often delayed as a result of seemingly incongruous physical findings. We present the case of a young woman with prior emergency room visits for complaints of a vague left upper quadrant abdominal pain. An ultrasound performed on her third presentation revealed visceral situs inversus with cholelithiasis and dilated intra- and extrahepatic biliary ducts. Standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy and cholangiography with a mirror-image surgical approach was performed successfully and without complication.