Two Cases Of Gallbladder Agenesis Diagnosed At Planned Cholecystectomy – Lessons Learned

Abstract

Gallbladder agenesis (GA) is a rare anatomical variation of the biliary tree. It may present with biliary type symptoms such as upper abdominal pain requiring further investigation. Ultrasound is the first choice of imaging for biliary symptoms but is frequently misleading in the context of GA. As a result most patients are diagnosed following conversion of laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy and subsequent failure to identify the gallbladder. Failure to suspect GA at laparoscopy can result in unnecessary open surgery and a high risk of bile duct damage with corresponding postoperative morbidity and mortality. We describe two cases of GA diagnosed at planned laparoscopic cholecystectomy with contrasting methods.