Gallbladder Agenesis without Additional Biliary Tracts Abnormality.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Diagnosis
• Biliary System Anatomy

Background:

• Gallbladder agenesis (GA) is an uncommon congenital anomaly of the biliary system.
• Accurate preoperative diagnosis of GA can be challenging, potentially leading to unnecessary surgical interventions.
• This case report focuses on the intraoperative diagnosis and effective management of GA.

Observation:

• A 46-year-old woman presented with symptoms suggestive of chronic cholecystitis, including abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Laparoscopic surgery revealed the absence of a gallbladder, leading to an intraoperative diagnosis of GA.
• The patient subsequently underwent MRCP and ERCP with sphincterotomy for symptom relief.

Findings:

• Intraoperative identification of gallbladder agenesis.
• Successful management of symptoms through ERCP and sphincterotomy.
• Patient remained symptom-free one year post-procedure.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering GA in the differential diagnosis for patients with biliary symptoms.
• Emphasizes the need for surgeon preparedness to avoid unnecessary procedures when encountering unexpected findings like GA.
• Suggests that ERCP and sphincterotomy can be effective in managing symptoms associated with GA.