Incidental Intra Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Diagnosis of a Gallbladder Agenesis, A Rare Diagnosis

Abstract

Gallbladder agenesis is quite a rare anomaly; it’s probably due to an embryologic mishap within the development of the hepatobiliary bud and is predominately associated with other congenital abnormalities. Most patients will stay asymptomatic; however, some will develop symptoms that mimic those of biliary, urinary, or gastrointestinal disorders. Symptoms typically appear within the fourth or fifth decade of patient life. For these reasons, gallbladder agenesis might be misdiagnosed. Leading to unnecessary surgery. This paper reports a case of gallbladder agenesis of a 41-year-old male. Presented with history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting. Based on the clinical presentation and ultrasonography findings, symptomatic cholelithiasis was misdiagnosed. He was then seen by the surgical team as a case of acute cholecystitis. Imaging modalities commonly used in investigation of biliary disease symptoms where employed. Ultrasound and MRCP were done. However, findings have led to the diagnosis of acute cholecystitis and eventually to a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This case has also shown that gallbladder agenesis can still be misdiagnosed, leading to the detection of gallbladder agenesis in the operating room