Acute cholecystitis in a situs inversus totalis. Case report

Area of Science:

• Medical diagnosis
• Surgical procedures
• Congenital disorders

Background:

• Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital condition characterized by mirrored placement of thoracic and abdominal organs.
• Most individuals with SIT are asymptomatic, with incidental discovery during medical evaluations.
• SIT necessitates modifications in standard surgical approaches and diagnostic considerations.

Observation:

• A 26-year-old female presented with atypical gallbladder colic symptoms.
• Surgical assessment confirmed acute cholecystitis in the presence of Situs inversus totalis.
• The patient underwent a successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Findings:

• Acute cholecystitis poses a diagnostic challenge in patients with Situs inversus totalis.
• Surgical treatment for conditions like acute cholecystitis requires adapting techniques for SIT.
• Successful surgical outcomes are achievable despite the anatomical variations in SIT.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of recognizing SIT in differential diagnoses for abdominal pain.
• Emphasizes the need for tailored surgical strategies in patients with congenital visceral transposition.
• Demonstrates the feasibility of minimally invasive surgery for common conditions in rare anatomical variants.