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Torsion of the gallbladder in a 3-year-old infant

Takayuki Hamada1, Yoshitsugu Tajima, Junzo Yamaguchi

  • 1Department of Surgery, National Hospital Organization Saga Hospital, Saga, Japan. takahamada@hotmail.co.jp

Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
|January 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Gallbladder torsion, a rare condition causing severe abdominal pain in children, was diagnosed using ultrasonography and CT scans. Prompt surgical removal (cholecystectomy) is crucial for successful treatment and recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Abdominal Imaging

Background:

  • Gallbladder torsion is a rare surgical emergency, particularly in pediatric patients.
  • Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for favorable outcomes.

Observation:

  • A 3-year-old girl presented with acute abdominal pain and vomiting, exhibiting localized rigidity.
  • Imaging revealed an enlarged, thickened gallbladder with atypical ductal anatomy, but no gallstones.
  • Intraoperative findings confirmed gangrenous gallbladder with 180-degree torsion at its neck.

Findings:

  • Histopathology confirmed acute bleeding infarction of the gallbladder.
  • Successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed due to limited inflammation.
  • The patient recovered fully with no postoperative complications.

Implications:

  • Abdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT are valuable diagnostic tools for pediatric gallbladder torsion.
  • Timely surgical intervention, including cholecystectomy, is essential for managing this condition in children.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in pediatric abdominal emergencies.

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