Intrahepatic subcapsular hematoma complicating laparoscopic cholecystectomy

A 64-year-old woman underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for bile duct stones, followed 2 days later by an uneventful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. She presented after 10 days with upper abdominal discomfort, nausea, and pyrexia. Investigations revealed a decrease in hemoglobin, and computed tomography identified a large intrahepatic subcapsular hematoma in segments V and VI. There was no intraabdominal collection and the rest of the viscera were normal. The collection was drained percutaneously under ultrasound guidance and a wide-bore catheter placed. She was treated with intravenous antibiotics and the catheter was removed 14 days later upon cessation of drainage. Serial ultrasonographic examinations showed a reduction in the size of the hematoma and complete resolution at 4 months. She remained well and asymptomatic at follow-up 16 months later. We report this case due to its rarity and review the previously documented cases of this complication.