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Cholecystitis with gallbladder rupture leading to free gallstone migration causing chronic abdominal wall sinus
Liu Yang1, Tao Wang2, Xiu-Li Li1
1Department of Plastic and Cosmetics Surgery, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo 255000, Shandong Province, China.
Background:
Gallstones are frequently observed in patients with cholecystitis, but the migration of free gallstones into the abdominal wall leading to chronic sinus formation is exceedingly rare.
Case Summary:
We report a case of a 72-year-old woman who experienced recurring fever and abdominal pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, during which gallbladder rupture was noted. Despite initial conservative management and temporary T-tube placement, the patient developed a chronic sinus in the abdominal wall 9.5 years later, characterized by an area of thickened soft tissue with ulceration and purulent discharge. Surgical exploration revealed the presence of a migrated gallstone at the base of the sinus tract, necessitating careful surgical removal and postoperative wound care.
Conclusion:
This case highlights the potential long-term complications of retained free gallstones and the importance of thorough surgical retrieval.
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