Abdominal Wall Abscess Due to Retained Gallstone After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Case Report

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard treatment for cholelithiasis and cholecystitis; however, gallbladder perforation with spillage of gallstones may occur and result in delayed complications. We present the case of a 47-year-old woman who developed a chronic right abdominal wall mass and pain eight years after LC. Imaging revealed a right subdiaphragmatic collection extending into the abdominal wall, initially raising concern for a neoplastic process. Biopsies were inconclusive, and due to persistent symptoms, laparoscopic exploration was performed, revealing severe adhesions and a subdiaphragmatic abscess extending into the abdominal wall, with a retained gallstone, which was successfully removed. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, with progressive resolution of the inflammatory changes and abdominal wall mass. This case highlights the potential for retained gallstones to cause delayed inflammatory complications and mass-like lesions years after LC, potentially mimicking neoplastic disease. A history of previous LC should therefore be considered when evaluating unexplained chronic abdominal or abdominal wall collections.