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Surgical implications of a left-sided gallbladder.
Russell W Strong1, Jonathan Fawcett, Michael Hatzifotis
1Hepatobiliary Unit, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Ipswich Road, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia. russell_strong@health.qld.gov.au
American Journal of Surgery
|February 26, 2013
Summary
Left-sided gallbladder is an uncommon anomaly, often undiagnosed before surgery. This condition is linked to frequent bile duct injuries and complex liver resections, requiring careful surgical planning.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary surgery
- Anatomical variations
- Surgical complications
Background:
- Left-sided gallbladder is a rare congenital anomaly.
- Associated intrahepatic portal and biliary system anomalies complicate liver surgery.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy carries a risk of bile duct injury in these cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the management and outcomes of patients with left-sided gallbladder.
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges and surgical implications of this anomaly.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patients with left-sided gallbladder undergoing hepatobiliary procedures since 1996.
- Analysis of surgical outcomes, including diagnoses, procedures, and complications.
Main Results:
- Nineteen patients underwent hepatobiliary procedures for left-sided gallbladder.
- Only 1 of 13 patients with gallstones was diagnosed preoperatively.
- Two patients experienced bile duct injuries; one liver resection was performed.
Conclusions:
- Left-sided gallbladders may be more common than presumed but are often missed preoperatively.
- Bile duct injury is a significant risk associated with this anomaly.
- Aberrant anatomy necessitates meticulous planning for liver resections and transplantation.
