Duplicate gallbladder: A case report of a patient with cholecystitis after cholecystectomy

Duplicate gallbladder is a congenital anomaly with various anatomical presentations that can pose difficult diagnostic dilemmas. This case presents the consequence of recurrent cholecystitis after prior cholecystectomy due to delay in diagnosis of a duplicate gallbladder and insufficient treatment at first presentation. It also provides the opportunity to discuss the anatomical variations of duplicate gallbladders and their clinical implications.

We report on a 46-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of cholecystitis despite a history of cholecystectomy. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) as well as review of intraoperative cholangiogram from the index surgery identified a cystic structure continuous with the biliary tree. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed and histology confirmed a duplicate gallbladder. The patient did well post-operatively without any complications.

Harlaftis's classification of duplicate gallbladder categorizes anatomical variations based on embryological origin. Though rarity contributes to missed diagnosis, modern imaging techniques that delineate the biliary tree can identify these abnormalities. Recognizing these variations can identify risk for recurrent disease preoperatively and thereby guide surgical decision-making.

Duplicate gallbladder poses a risk for the unique presentation of recurrent cholecystitis despite cholecystectomy. Advanced imaging techniques that demonstrate biliary anatomy can identify duplicate gallbladder perioperatively. For those presenting with disease in any one gallbladder, resection of both is ideal to prevent recurrence of disease.