EP.TH.1029Surgery for retained gallstones: A single centre experience

Abstract

Abstract Aims Lost spilled gallstones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a rare inadvertent complication results in recurrent delayed sepsis. Diagnosis is made via retrospective review of operative notes. 2 cases of retained gallstones were removed surgically, following several years after the initial laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Conclusion 2 cases presented with delayed symptoms of abdominal pain, sepsis with intra-abdominal collections. Intra-abdominal abscesses treated with percutaneous USS guided drainage & antibiotics. Abscesses arise in right subphrenic space, right anterior abdominal wall & iliacus as a result of gallstone migration. Diagnosis of “spilled lost gallstones” was delayed until confirmation of retained gallstones on radiological imaging. Combination of USS, CT and MRI scan enabled to detect retained gallstones (radiolucent or radio-opaque) within an abscess cavity. Multi-disciplinary approach allowed a more concerted management i.e. diagnosis of retained gallstones & planning surgical exploration for retained gallstones. Ultimately, abscesses should be drained (percutaneously or surgically), and retained stones should be removed. Ideally this is done via minimally invasive techniques, but open surgery is often required. Use of laparoscopy enables exploration of the peritoneal cavity and any abscess cavity. This exploration will extract any fragment of gallstone that could be a nidus for continuous infection.