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Type 1 free perforation of the gallbladder
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine
|September 1, 1985
Summary
Free gallbladder perforation into the peritoneal cavity is a rare surgical emergency. This case series highlights the poor prognosis in elderly men with comorbidities, contrasting with a sole young female survivor.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Pathology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Free perforation of the gallbladder is a rare but life-threatening condition.
- It leads to generalized peritonitis, necessitating urgent surgical or post-mortem diagnosis.
Observation:
- This report details 4 cases of free gallbladder perforation.
- Diagnoses were established during laparotomy in 2 cases and post-mortem examination in the other 2.
Findings:
- Three male patients, all elderly or with significant comorbidities (diabetes, atherosclerosis, alcoholism), succumbed to the condition.
- The only survivor was a young, otherwise healthy female.
Implications:
- The findings underscore the critical impact of age and comorbidities on outcomes for patients with free gallbladder perforation.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial, though patient factors significantly influence survival rates.