"Target sign" from dropped gallstones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Surgical Complications
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Gallstone spillage during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a known surgical complication.
• Clinical presentations vary, often requiring advanced imaging for diagnosis.

Observation:

• A 70-year-old female presented with right-sided abdominal pain.
• Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple subphrenic lesions with peripheral enhancement, suggestive of abscesses.

Findings:

• The lesions exhibited a central hyperattenuating focus, the 'Target Sign,' indicative of gallstones.
• These findings confirmed retained gallstones from a prior laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Implications:

• Early diagnosis of dropped gallstones is crucial for timely treatment.
• The 'Target Sign' on CT is a key indicator for diagnosing retained gallstones causing abscesses.