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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Guided by the Ligamentum Teres Hepatis and the Umbilical Fissure Vein

Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Guided by the Ligamentum Teres Hepatis and the Umbilical Fissure Vein

Published on: September 27, 2024

[Liver rupture caused by migrating gallstones].

Arnold W J M van de Laar¹, Merel M Scheurkogel

¹Slotervaartziekenhuis, afd. Algemene Heelkunde, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. arnold.vandelaar@slz.nl

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde

|December 17, 2009

Summary

Gallstones can cause rare but serious complications, including liver abscesses and rupture. This case highlights how gallstones can migrate, leading to severe abdominal issues and shock.

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Surgical Pathology

Background:

Gallstones (cholelithiasis) are common, but their migration through tissue layers is rare.
Chronic irritation from gallstones can lead to abscess formation.
Complications of gallstones can include liver abscesses and rupture.

Observation:

A 74-year-old man presented with abdominal pain, peritoneal irritation, and hemodynamic shock.
Emergency laparotomy revealed a liver abscess with a perforation.
A free-floating gallstone was discovered within the peritoneal cavity.

Findings:

The gallstone's migration path from the gallbladder to the liver was traceable.
The patient's symptoms correlated with the gallstone's progression and complications.
Liver abscess and rupture are rare sequelae of cholelithiasis.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Guided by the Ligamentum Teres Hepatis and the Umbilical Fissure Vein

Laparoscopic Left Lateral Sectionectomy: Guided by the Ligamentum Teres Hepatis and the Umbilical Fissure Vein

Published on: September 27, 2024

Implications:

This case underscores the potential for severe intra-abdominal complications from gallstones.
Early recognition and management of gallstone disease are crucial to prevent such rare events.
Understanding gallstone migration pathways aids in diagnosing and treating complex presentations.