Unusual presentations of spilled gallstones

Perforation of the gallbladder with resultant spillage of gallstones is not an uncommon occurrence. Spillage is reported to occur in 6% to 40% of laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Although not generally considered a significant problem, retained gallstones may cause serious complications years after the operation, with a clinical presentation that often is confusing. We report two cases of unusual complications from spilled gallstones. The first patient presented with clinical and radiologic findings of acute appendicitis 8 years after the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The second patient presented with spontaneous erosion of spilled gallstones through the back 2 years and 9 months after the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The literature is reviewed, and the management of spilled gallstones is discussed briefly. Although the complication rate is low, every effort should be made to retrieve spilled gallstones, and the event should be recorded in detail in the operative record. Obligatory conversion to an open procedure is not necessary.