Gallbladder-associated ectopic liver: A rare finding during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Surgical Pathology
• Embryology

Background:

• Ectopic liver (EL) is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from abnormal embryological development.
• Incidence of EL ranges from 0.24% to 0.47%, often discovered incidentally.
• EL can occur in various locations, including the gallbladder, gastrohepatic ligament, and thoracic cavity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of ectopic liver (EL) incidentally found adhered to the gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• To emphasize the importance of recognizing and removing EL to prevent potential complications.

Main Methods:

• A 37-year-old female underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.
• A 30mm×10mm×5mm section of ectopic liver tissue attached to the gallbladder was identified and excised en bloc.
• Histological examination confirmed the ectopic hepatic tissue and ruled out malignancy.

Main Results:

• The ectopic liver tissue was successfully removed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
• The patient experienced an uncomplicated recovery and was discharged the following day.
• Postoperative follow-up at six months showed the patient remained well.

Conclusions:

• Ectopic liver (EL) is rare but can lead to serious complications like torsion, bleeding, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Surgical identification and removal of EL are crucial for patient safety.
• This case demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of laparoscopic excision for gallbladder-adherent EL.