Development of acute cholecystitis following laparoscopic partial cholecystectomy

In cases where the dissection of Calot's triangle is difficult during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, laparoscopic partial cholecystectomy is an alternative to total cholecystectomy to prevent bile duct damage. However, recurrent symptoms and bile duct problems associated with the remaining gallbladder tissue may develop in patients over time. The case of a 45-year-old male who underwent laparoscopic partial cholecystectomy one year previously is presented here. In the postoperative period, as a result of tests for the continuing symptoms of cholecystitis, stones and surrounding abscess were detected in the remaining gallbladder tissue, so open completion cholecystectomy was applied. In acute cholecystitis, as severe inflammation of the hilar structures does not allow safe dissection, partial cholecystectomy can be applied. However, in these patients, there is a risk of recurrence of cholecystitis symptoms and the development of biliary pancreatitis and choledocolithiasis because of the remaining tissue. Therefore, it should not be forgotten that endoscopic and/or surgical intervention may be necessary at least in some patients.