A rare case of gallbladder fistulation with a 60-year-old appendicectomy scar

We present an extremely unusual case of an external biliary fistula in an 87-year-old woman who presented with a 1-day history of spontaneous green discharge from a 60-year-old appendicectomy scar. Examination revealed a sinus in the right iliac fossa overlying her appendicectomy scar, with a raised white cell count and C reactive protein. A CT scan revealed a complex fistula connecting the gallbladder to the subcutaneous tissue in the right flank, which further connected inferiorly with a fistula to the previous appendicectomy scar and a small iliopsoas collection. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed several stones in the common bile duct, which were removed using a balloon catheter. The patient was further managed with a long course of antibiotics and discharged with a long-term drainage bag. A literature search revealed no previously reported cases of an external biliary fistula communicating with an appendicectomy scar.