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Left-sided gallbladder: a complicated percutaneous cholecystostomy and subsequent hepatic embolisation

H S Jung1, K Huh, Y H Shin

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Bongsaeng Memorial Hospital, Busan, Korea. jhs0620@dreamwiz.com

Insights

A left-sided gallbladder diagnosis is crucial for safe percutaneous cholecystostomy. This case highlights how identifying gallbladder anomalies prevents complications like hepatic injury during the procedure.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Surgical Anatomy

Background:

  • A 68-year-old male with comorbidities presented with acute calculous cholecystitis.
  • Standard treatment involves percutaneous cholecystostomy, especially in high-risk patients.

Observation:

  • Two attempts at percutaneous cholecystostomy via a transhepatic approach failed.
  • A transperitoneal approach was ultimately successful.
  • The patient developed haemoperitoneum due to hepatic injury post-procedure.
  • Laparoscopic cholecystectomy revealed a left-sided gallbladder anomaly.

Findings:

  • The left-sided gallbladder was the cause of the failed transhepatic attempts and subsequent hepatic injury.
  • The transperitoneal approach proved feasible and potentially preferable for this anomaly.

Implications:

  • Pre-procedural imaging to identify gallbladder anomalies is critical for patient safety.
  • Awareness of situs inversus or left-sided gallbladder can guide surgical approach selection.
  • This case suggests the transperitoneal route may be advantageous for left-sided gallbladder percutaneous cholecystostomy.