Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with total situs inversus – case report

Abstract

For many years, laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the method of choice for both the treatment of symptomatic cholelithiasis, and chronic and acute cholecystitis (1). The experience of the surgeon grows with each laparoscopic procedure, which enables to operate in case of difficult anatomical conditions and associated anatomical variants. The aim of the study was to present a case of a 47-year old male patient with total situs inversus and several months history of recurrent left epigastric pain, radiating to the left scapula, being accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The study presented the operative technique of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and postoperative period data. In conclusion, laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with total situs inversus is possible and safe, providing relevant precautions. The main issues certainly include a good and feasible plan of the operation, discussion concerning the possible intraoperative and postoperative complications, a good plan considering the localization of the trocars, as well as an experienced surgical team. One should also not forget that early conversion to classical cholecystectomy is not considered as failure, but might prevent accidental damage of the biliary ducts and long-term complications.