Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gall Bladder Volvulus: A Report of an Original Case With Review of Literature

Background: Volvulus of gallbladder is defined as a rotation of the gallbladder on its mesentery along the axis of the cystic duct and cystic artery. Many factors are postulated to be the causes such as anatomical, mechanical, physiological, and hormonal risk factors but the presence of a distended gallbladder with a redundant mesentery is thought to be an important cause. Case presentation: A 68-year-old woman presented with right hypochondrial pain and vomiting for 2 days that was radiated to the interscapular region and associated with nausea and vomiting. The patient had no jaundice and the abdominal examination showed severe tenderness with guarding during palpation of the right upper abdomen with no palpable mass. The WBCs were elevated, with normal liver enzymes, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. The ultrasound showed a single gallstone with increased wall thickness. There was no significant clinical improvement with antibiotics and analgesics. During laparoscopy, volvulus of the gallbladder was discovered causing gangrene of the gallbladder. Laparoscopic detorsion and successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy were performed. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day with dramatic improvement with no postoperative complications. Conclusion: Gall bladder volvulus is an acute surgical emergency that is usually seen in the elderly population. It required a high index of suspicion especially in the absence of gallstones and must be differentiated from acalculous cholecystitis. Most cases are discovered at surgery. It must be managed with immediate detorsion and cholecystectomy, and the prognosis is excellent in most cases after an appropriate surgical intervention.