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Cholelithoptysis: an unusual complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy
S Y Chan1, A W Osborne, S F Purkiss
1Academic Department of Surgery, Royal London Hospital, London, UK.
Digestive Surgery
|December 9, 1998
Abstract:
A 75-year old lady underwent a routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy during which stones were spilled into the peritoneal cavity. Despite peritoneal lavage the patient developed chronic right upper quadrant discomfort and a pleural effusion over several months. Following the production of a pigmented bilirubin stone in her sputum the patient's symptoms resolved. Cholelithoptysis is a rare complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the diagnosis should be considered in patients with prolonged chest symptoms after surgery.