A rare case report of chronic cholecystitis complicated with incomplete gallbladder volvulus

Gallbladder volvulus, or gallbladder torsion, is a rare condition. There have been very few case reports of chronic cholecystitis complicated by incomplete gallbladder volvulus. A 63-year-old woman had suffered recurrent right upper quadrant pain for 3 years, which had grown worse during the past day. She was admitted through the emergency department on February 24, 2012. Laparoscopic exploration revealed approximately 180° torsion of the gallbladder. Postoperative pathologic examination suggested a diagnosis of chronic cholecystitis, without operative complications. Incomplete gallbladder volvulus is associated with anatomic changes to the gallbladder mesentery, constipation, and increased bowel movements. Early diagnosis and laparoscopic exploration are the keys to management.