Floating gallbladder identified on preoperative computed tomography and managed laparoscopically: a case report

Floating gallbladder is a rare anatomical variant characterized by absence or marked attenuation of its attachment to the hepatic bed, allowing increased mobility within the peritoneal cavity. Although this condition is considered a predisposing factor for gallbladder torsion, it may remain clinically silent and is often identified incidentally during surgery or preoperatively with computed tomography. Preoperative diagnosis remains challenging despite advances in imaging techniques. We report the case of a 73-year-old male patient admitted for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to symptomatic cholelithiasis. Preoperative imaging showed chronic calculous cholecystitis and lack of communication between the gallbladder and liver. A safe laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Gallbladder mobility may influence intraoperative orientation and increase the risk of biliary misidentification. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains a safe and effective treatment when meticulous dissection and identification of anatomical structures are achieved.