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Micro-gallbladder: A rare surgical problem
Uttam Kumar Thakur1, Niladri Mohan Raypattanaik2, Manish Kumar1
1Senior Resident, Department of General Surgery, 29751PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.
Abstract:
Micro-gallbladder is a rare clinical entity and mostly linked with cystic fibrosis (CF), which is an autosomal recessive disease involving a protein Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) which regulates secretion and absorption in the pulmonary, reproductive and gastrointestinal systems including the liver. Biliary secretion becomes hyperviscous, leading to cholestasis and partial obstruction of the cystic duct. This causes recurrent cholecystitis and gallstone formation. Ultimately, atrophy of the gallbladder results, thus a 'micro-gallbladder' defined as being <2-3 cm in length and 0.5-1.5 cm in width. A shrunken gallbladder from recurrent attacks of gallstone-induced cholecystitis is not typically termed as a micro-gallbladder. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is definitive treatment for symptomatic micro-gallbladder, even though most cases are managed conservatively without surgery. We report a case of symptomatic micro-gallbladder in a non-CF patient, managed successfully by laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Insights
Micro-gallbladder, often associated with cystic fibrosis (CF), is a rare condition. This report details a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy for a symptomatic micro-gallbladder in a patient without CF.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Genetics and Rare Diseases
Background:
- Micro-gallbladder is a rare clinical finding, frequently associated with cystic fibrosis (CF).
- CF, an autosomal recessive disorder, involves the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein, impacting biliary secretion and leading to gallstone formation and gallbladder atrophy.
- A micro-gallbladder is defined by its small size (<2-3 cm length, 0.5-1.5 cm width).
Observation:
- The study presents a case of symptomatic micro-gallbladder in a patient without a history of CF.
- This contrasts with the typical association of micro-gallbladder with CF-related biliary dysfunction.
Findings:
- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed for symptomatic micro-gallbladder.
- The surgical management was successful in this non-CF patient.
Implications:
- This case highlights that micro-gallbladder can occur in individuals without CF.
- It underscores the potential efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic micro-gallbladder, regardless of CF status.
- Further research may elucidate non-CF related etiologies of micro-gallbladder.
