Incidental discovery of pelvic cholelithiasis on diagnostic laparoscopy

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, although a safe technique for removal of the gallbladder, is associated with surgery-related complications. We report a complication caused by this procedure in a young woman, in whom a diagnostic laparoscopy led to the incidental finding of retained gallstones in the pelvis. A 30-year-old woman underwent diagnostic laparoscopy for exclusion of an ectopic pregnancy. She had undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy 3 years before presentation. Diagnostic laparoscopy ruled out ectopic pregnancy, but yellow nodules were noted in her pelvis. Removal of these nodules was not attempted because of their close proximity to the ureter. A biopsy of these lesions confirmed amorphous material suggestive of gall stones. The finding was documented in the case notes and explained to the patient after the procedure.