[Isolated lesions of the gallbladder, in closed abdominal injuries. Apropos of 7 cases]

The authors report 7 cases of isolated injuries of the gallbladder, in closed abdominal trauma. The literature indicates the frequency to lie between one and five percent. The postprandial period and fasting alcohol levels, responsible for the distention of the gallbladder, are mostly the cause of such lesions. Four groups of injuries are described: 1) laceration 2) avulsion 3) simple contusion 4) traumatic cholecystitis Early diagnosis of such injuries is difficult as abdominal signs are poor and little specific; the authors note the value of peritoneal puncture and lavage. The treatment of gallbladder trauma is always surgical, cholecystectomy giving the best results; raphy and cholecystostomy are second choice treatments. The prognosis is usually favorable, even if surgery is delayed, and depends essentially on the nature of associated extra-abdominal injuries.