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Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for a left-sided gallbladder
Mazen E Iskandar1, Agnes Radzio, Merab Krikhely
1Mazen E Iskandar, Agnes Radzio, Merab Krikhely, I Michael Leitman, Department of Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine-Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, NY 10003, United States.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|October 15, 2013
Summary
A rare left-sided gallbladder, not due to situs inversus, presented with right upper quadrant pain. This case highlights the importance of recognizing gallbladder anatomical variations during cholecystectomy to prevent surgical injury.
Area of Science:
- Hepatobiliary Surgery
- Surgical Anatomy
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Cholecystectomy is a frequent surgical procedure.
- Anatomical variations of the biliary system are common, but abnormal gallbladder positioning is rare.
- Pre-operative imaging often fails to detect aberrant gallbladder locations, leading to intraoperative discovery.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient with a left-sided gallbladder, left of the falciform ligament, without situs inversus totalis.
- The patient presented with characteristic right upper quadrant pain.
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy revealed the cystic duct originating from the right side.
Findings:
- Left-sided gallbladder anomalies are frequently associated with other biliary, portal venous, and anatomical abnormalities.
- These associated anomalies increase the risk of intraoperative injuries during hepatobiliary procedures.
- Recognition of unusual gallbladder positions is crucial for safe surgical interventions.
Implications:
- Accurate identification of gallbladder anatomy is essential for both elective and emergent cholecystectomies.
- Minimally invasive approaches, such as laparoscopic cholecystectomy, remain safe when aberrant anatomy is correctly identified.
- Understanding the spectrum of gallbladder positional variations aids surgeons in preventing complications.
