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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in situs inversus totalis
H T Takei1, J G Maxwell, T V Clancy
1Department of Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill.
Journal of Laparoendoscopic Surgery
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Gallstones (cholelithiasis) in patients with situs inversus totalis, a rare condition where organs are mirrored, can be safely treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Study
- Surgical Innovation
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Dextrocardia and situs inversus totalis are rare congenital conditions.
- Situs inversus involves a mirror-image transposition of visceral organs.
- Cholelithiasis (gallstones) can occur in individuals with situs inversus.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old woman with known dextrocardia presented with symptoms of biliary colic.
- Abdominal ultrasound revealed gallstones and situs inversus, with the liver and gallbladder on the left.
- The patient experienced left-sided abdominal pain consistent with gallstones.
Findings:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was successfully performed on the patient.
- The surgical procedure was uncomplicated, despite the mirrored anatomy.
- The biliary and venous systems exhibited a mirror-image configuration.
Implications:
- Situs inversus totalis does not contraindicate laparoscopic treatment for cholelithiasis.
- This case highlights the feasibility of minimally invasive surgery in rare anatomical variations.
- Understanding the mirrored anatomy is crucial for surgical planning in such cases.