[Gallbladder agenesis: case report and a literature review]

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology and Hepatobiliary Surgery
• Congenital Abnormalities
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Gallbladder agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly.
• It often presents with symptoms mimicking biliary pathology, such as cholelithiasis.
• This condition is found in 0.007% to 0.027% of patients undergoing cholecystectomy.

Observation:

• A 19-year-old female presented with symptoms of cholelithiasis and an ultrasound showing a scleroatrophic vesicle.
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed, but the gallbladder was absent.
• Postoperative and annual follow-up revealed the patient remained asymptomatic.

Findings:

• A review of 19 cases (14 from case reports, 5 from case series) found no significant differences between groups.
• Gallbladder agenesis typically occurs in individuals aged 40-64 years, presenting with right upper quadrant pain and suspected cholelithiasis.
• Preoperative diagnosis is challenging; laparoscopic examination is preferred if intervention is necessary.

Implications:

• Gallbladder agenesis typically leads to an asymptomatic postoperative course, though the underlying reason remains unclear.
• Minimally invasive diagnostic approaches like laparoscopy are recommended for suspected cases.
• Understanding this rare condition aids in accurate diagnosis and appropriate surgical management.