Midline gallbladder makes a challenge for surgeons during laparoscopic cholecystectomy; case series of 6 patients

Gall bladder anomalies varies from variations in the size, site, duct systems, and shape. Abnormal location comprises the commonest one.The presence of an ectopic gall bladder is estimated to occur in around 0.1-0.7% of individuals, it can be truly ectopic locating under the left lobe of the liver or just to the left of falciform ligament.Gall stones are common disorder that may mandate cholecystectomy especially in symptomatic patients, surgery can be done laparoscopically safely in cases of abnormal anatomical position, but such cases may be at higher rate of complications especially if associated with other biliary tract anomalies.

Six cases of symptomatic gall stones who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy included in this case series. During insertion of the telescope through the umbilical port, we found midline gallbladder under the falciform ligament instead being under right lobe of the liver. We did modification of the port sites by placing epigastric port in the left hypochonrdium.

In all the six cases the surgery had been done successfully laparoscopically without conversion to open technique. Follow up of the patients done for 2 months with no post-operative sequelae.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for midline gall bladder is technically difficult. Modifying the port sites make the surgery easier. MRCP preoperatively, intraoperative cholangiography, or fluorescent cholangiography may be needed if there is any concern about biliary anomalies or for real time detection of biliary injuries.