Distended Gallbladder Research Articles

Advanced ultrasound diagnosis of extrahepatic bile duct lesions.

Ultrasound (US) has high specificity and sensitivity, and it should be performed first for patients with suspicion of biliary tract cancer. However, the complicated anatomy in addition to the gas images makes it difficult to delineate the entire extrahepatic bile duct (EHBD). The keys to depiction of EHBD are the "J" shape manipulation in the left lateral decubitus position and the use of magnified images with high-frequency transducers. Furthermore, indirect findings such as gallbladder (GB) distension, BD dilatation, and debris echo in the GB and BD are also important for detecting occult lesions, particularly in the ampullary region of Vater. For the differential diagnosis of BD wall thickening, the spreading pattern in the long and short axial directions should be assessed first. Then, the characteristics of the innermost hyperechoic layer (IHL) and outermost hyperechoic layer (OHL) should be evaluated. Asymmetrical wall thickening, absence of IHL, and presence of irregularity or discontinuity in OHL are characteristic patterns of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Because CCA is the most common BD polypoid lesion, it is important to diagnose tumor extension and depth invasion in addition to differential diagnosis. Nodular-type CCA is usually hypoechoic and more likely to invade vertically. In contrast, papillary-type CCA is often hyperechoic and extends laterally. Contrast‑enhanced US may be useful for evaluating these findings. However, if the possibility of CCA cannot be ruled out or a definitive diagnosis is needed, a transpapillary biopsy or endoscopic US-guided tissue acquisition should be considered.

Giant gallbladder cyst with acute cholecystitis: a case report

BackgroundGallbladder cysts are rare diseases with very few reported cases, and no clinical or histological definition has been established. Furthermore, cases of giant cysts outside the gallbladder wall are extremely rare. We report a rare case of giant gallbladder cyst with acute cholecystitis.Case presentationAn 85-year-old woman with appetite loss and right lower abdominal pain lasting 2 days presented to our hospital. At first, the patient’s abdominal pain was mild to moderate with no fever. Blood tests revealed a white blood cell count of 10,950/mm3, and the C-reactive protein (CRP) level was 14.35 mg/dl. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed a grossly distended gallbladder (14.5 × 14.5 × 8.7 cm) with an incarcerated stone in the cystic duct. The patient was treated by percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) with 735 ml of drainage fluid. Oral contrast magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed that gallbladder swelling remained (14.0 × 6.5 cm) 3 days after PTGBD. We performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy 6 days after PTGBD. Because of the severe adhesion around the junction of the cystic and common bile ducts, we performed open cholecystectomy.The resected specimen was 14 × 11 cm in size and consisted of a gallbladder (6 × 7 cm) with a stone (2.4 × 1.8 cm) in the gallbladder and a large cystic lesion (18 × 18 cm) outside the gallbladder wall. The cystic lesion had a wall thickness of 6 to 12 mm and internal septal structures and contained hemorrhagic and necrotic tissue.Histological examination revealed that the specimens showed a mildly swollen gallbladder and a cystic lesion on the outside of the gallbladder wall, adjacent to the gallbladder wall, with wall thickening and inflammation. The cystic lesion suggested gallbladder duplication, gallbladder diverticulum or extension of the Rokitansky-Aschoff sinus (RAS). There was no malignancy. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged 5 days after the operation.ConclusionWe present a very rare case of giant gallbladder cyst with acute cholecystitis revealed by cholecystectomy.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the gallbladder with hepatoduodenal invasion exhibiting a necrotic tendency.

We report a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) of the gallbladder with extensive hepatoduodenal invasion, which was challenging to diagnose histologically due to a strong tendency to be necrotic. An 71year-old man presented with upper abdominal pain and was referred to our hospital. Computed tomography revealed a distended gallbladder with air within the irregular gallbladder wall and an indistinct border with the hepatoduodenum, suggesting invasion. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy detected an ulceration in the duodenal bulb. However, histologic analysis failed to provide a definitive diagnosis due to the presence of necrotic tissue. Furthermore, direct biopsy from the gallbladder mucosa by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography revealed only necrotic tissue and no diagnosis. Contrast ultrasonography for the hepatic invasion revealed enhancement with blood flow, suggesting non-necrotic tissue. Subsequently, an ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy was conducted to obtain tissue samples from the described lesion. The pathology showed atypical lymphocytes with irregular nuclei. Immunostaining indicated positive expression of CD10, CD20, Bcl-6, and C-Myc, consistent with a diagnosis of DLBCL. In our case, the lymphoma exhibited a strong tendency to be necrotic, making histologic diagnosis difficult. However, selective biopsy from the site of blood flow made the diagnosis possible and proved to be useful.

EP23 - A rare case of “Gastric Outlet Obstruction (GOO) Secondary to Hydrops of Gallbladder” caused by recurrent acalculous cholecystitis: a variant of Bouveret’s Syndrome -a rare case and review of literature

Abstract We present an extremely rare case of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in a young male attributed to hydrops of the gallbladder resulting from recurrent episodes of acute acalculous cholecystitis. Remarkably, approximately one and half years prior to this presentation, the patient was diagnosed with confirmed acute acalculous cholecystitis and had tested positive for Covid 19, despite exhibiting no respiratory symptoms. While it is established that Patients with acute acalculous cholecystitis can develop gallbladder mucoceles due to the mechanism akin to mechanical cystic duct obstructions. This functional condition leads to a non-emptying, distended gallbladder where biliary mucus replaces bile salts (1). Conventionally, hydrops of the gallbladder is associated with prolonged blockage of the cystic duct, often caused by an impacted gallstone in neck / cystic duct or a stricture in cystic duct. Bouveret’s Syndrome, characterized by GOO results from the impaction of a large gallstone in the duodenum or pyloric channel, typically secondary to a cholecystoenteric fistula (2),is a recognized rare entity. However, our case stands apart as it elucidates an infrequently reported cause of GOO- hydrops of gall bladder inducing extrinsic compression of the duodenum / pylorus and this case also emphasizes the distinction from Bouveret’s syndrome. This case underscores the importance of considering unusual etiologies in the diagnosis of GOO and emphasizes the need for timely recognition and intervention in such rare instances to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Additionally, we provide a comprehensive review of existing literature, highlighting the scarcity of reported cases with such relevant presentations.

ThP5.13 - Lessons learnt from a neuroendocrine tumour presenting as choledocholithiasis

Abstract A 79 year old male presented to A&E with obstructive jaundice. A computerised tomography (CT) scan of his abdomen and pelvis showed intra- and extra-hepatic duct dilation, a small calculus within the lumen of the common bile duct (CBD), and gallbladder distension. His liver function tests were deranged, with an alkaline phosphatase of 280IU/L. Successful stone retrieval was achieved by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with an interim CBD stent inserted. Within the same admission, the patient underwent an uncomplicated emergency cholecystectomy. Histological analysis highlighted moderate chronic inflammation and fibromuscular hyperplasia, cholesterolosis, and ruled out dysplasia or malignancy. Four weeks later, the patient re-presented with septic obstructive jaundice. A repeat CT scan identified a dilated CBD of 2.2cm, suggesting an occluded stent. On ERCP for stent removal, ampulla narrowing was identified, hence concurrent brush cytology was performed. Due to clinical suspicion, a CT Positron emission tomography (PET) was requested, which identified metabolically active disseminated malignancy, likely pancreatic in origin, and with nodal, liver, and likely peritoneal metastases. A Ca 19-9 subsequently came back raised at 157 kIU/L. Liver biopsy confirmed a poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) with intermediate features between small and large cell NEC. In such cases with discrepancies between treatment success and lack of biochemical improvement, a low threshold of suspicion for further investigation and oncological consideration is imperative.

Double trouble: an unusual case of Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive syndrome with liver abscess, gallbladder empyema and infective endocarditis

BackgroundKlebsiella pneumoniae invasive syndrome (KPIS) is characterized by primary pyogenic liver abscess associated with metastatic infections. Although rare, Klebsiella endocarditis carries a high mortality risk.Case presentationA 60-year-old lady with type II diabetes mellitus presented with fever, malaise, right hypochondriac pain and vomiting for two weeks. Ultrasound abdomen revealed a collection within liver, and distended gallbladder with echogenic debris within. 3 days after ultrasound guided pigtail drainage of gallbladder empyema, newly presence murmur detected. Pus, urine, and blood cultures obtained were positive for Klebsiella pneumonia. Echocardiogram exhibited oscillating mass attached to anterior mitral valve leaflet. After 6 weeks of intravenous ceftriaxone, follow-up echocardiogram and ultrasound showed complete resolution of mitral valve vegetation, hepatic and gallbladder collection.ConclusionConcomitant extrahepatic infective endocarditis (IE) should raise concerns in daily practice for patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscesses, despite the rarity of Klebsiella endocarditis. In the absence of diagnostic suspicion, antibiotic treatment regimens may be shortened, and adverse effects from IE infection may ensue.

Biochemical, Molecular, Postmortem and Histopathological Characterization of Bovine Theilerioses at Different Stages of Production and Reproduction

Theilerosis is the most important common vector (Tick) born and hemoprotozoan diseases (TBDS) which pose a serious threat to the livestock population in terms of mortality, reduced milk yield and lowered draft power. The disease is having impact on biochemistry and systemic functions affecting at different stages of production and reproduction of dairy cattle as well as there is lack of accurate diagnosis of this disease. A total 1900 cases were suspected for theileriosis on the basis of clinical signs and total 950 cases were found positive for theileriosis on the basis of blood smear examination. As per the stages of pregnancy and lactation, the cases were classified as cows in early pregnancy, cows in late pregnancy, cows in post parturient stage, cows in early and late lactation period. Biochemical alterations like increased AST, ALT and BUN level indicating liver and kidney dysfunctions in all the groups and significantly higher in post parturient group. The serum phosphorus, calcium and magnesium level decreased in all the affected groups and mostly in late pregnancy period and post parturient stage indicating metabolic disturbances during the disease which were aggravated during theileriosis. Through molecular diagnosis 114 cows (65.51%) were found positive for T. annulata and 41 cows (22.9%) were found positive for T. orientalis and 19 cows (10.9%) were found positive for both Theileria annulata and Theileria orientalis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the accession number for Theileria annulata was OQ230445 which is having 100% similarity with puri isolate and 98% similarity with Khorda isolate and the accession number for T. orientalis was OQ 230446 having 85% similarity with Khorda isolate. On necropsy, the animals were weak, debilitated with atrophy of the muscles. In some cases, the liver was enlarged, markedly congested and in some cases yellowish tinged surface and cut edges with distension of gall bladder was evident. Abomasal ulcers were distinct and considered as pathognomonic. On histopathological examination, the liver revealed necrosis of hepatocytes with sinusoidal congestion and infiltration of mononuclear cells. In lymphnode, there was depletion of lymphocytes in lymphoid follicles with congestion and haemorrhage. Pulmonary edema was also evident in few cases. The combined approach involving biochemical, molecular, Post-mortem and histopathological characters were found to be fruitful in diagnosis of the bovine theileriosis at different stages of production and reproduction with optimum specificity.

Avoidance of bile duct injury in laparoscopic cholecystectomy with feasible intraoperative resources: A cohort study.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is one of the most commonly performed surgeries and is considered the standard treatment for cholelithiasis. However, it is associated with a risk of bile duct or hepatic artery injuries. This study evaluated the safety of LCs and the conversion rate (CR) by achieving a critical view of safety (CVS) and identification of Rouviere's sulcus (RS). This was a single-group cohort study that included consecutive patients undergoing LC at Smart Health Tower (Sulaimani, Iraq) from January 2021 to January 2023. The data were prospectively collected from patients' profiles or surgical notes within the hospital's database. A total of 419 patients underwent LC, of which females were the predominant gender (78.5%). The mean and median ages of the cases were 46.3±15.8 and 45 years, with a range of 2-90 years, respectively. The most common indications for surgery were biliary colic (69.5%), followed by acute cholecystitis (23.9%). The duration of the operations was significantly shorter for cases in which the CVS (45.6±17.9 min) or identification of RS (45.6±18.6 min) was achieved compared to those where the CVS (63.7±27.7 min) or RS (50.7±21.7 min) was not observed. Surgeries for patients with both CVS achievement and RS identification were also significantly less time-consuming (44.3±17.6) than counterparts (53.3±22.6). Among the cases without CVS achievement or RS identification (n=97, 23%), eight (8.2%) had adhesions, 12 (12.4%) had a distended gallbladder (GB) and 10 (10.3%) had thick GB walls. In addition, four (4.1%) experienced GB perforation, two (2.1%) had bleeding and one (1%) had stone spillage. There was no conversion. The achievement of CVS and identification of RS are practical landmarks in performing safe LC and decreasing the CR.

Association of biliary distention with a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis

BackgroundGallbladder distention has been described in radiology literature but its value on point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS) performed by emergency physicians is unclear. We sought to determine the test characteristics of gallbladder distention on PoCUS for cholecystitis (acute or chronic), and secondarily whether distention was associated with an obstructing stone-in-neck (SIN), acute cholecystitis on subsequent pathology report, and longer cholecystectomy operative times. MethodsThis was a dual-site retrospective cohort study of all Emergency Department (ED) patients that underwent diagnostic biliary PoCUS and were subsequently admitted from 11/1/2020 to 10/31/2022. Patients with pregnancy, liver failure, ascites, hepatobiliary cancer, prior cholecystectomy, or known cholecystitis were excluded. Gallbladder distention was defined as a width ≥4 cm or a length ≥10 cm. Saved ultrasound images were reviewed by three independent reviewers who obtained measurements during the review. Test characteristics, Cohen's kappa (κ), and strength of association between distention and our variables (acute cholecystitis on pathology report and SIN on PoCUS) were calculated using a Chi Square analysis, where intervention (cholecystectomy, percutaneous cholecystostomy, or intravenous antibiotics) was used as the reference standard for AC. A one-tail two sample t-test was calculated for mean operative times. ResultsOf 280 admitted patients who underwent ED biliary PoCUS, 53 were excluded, and 227 were analyzed. Of the 227 patients, 113 (49.8%) had cholecystitis according to our reference standard, and 68 (30.0%) had distention on PoCUS: 32 distended by both width and length, 16 distended by width alone, and 20 distended by length alone. Agreement between investigators was substantial for width (κ 0.630) and length (κ 0.676). Distention was 85.09% (95% CI 77.20–91.07%) specific and 45.1% (95% CI 35.8–54.8%) sensitive for cholecystitis. There was an association between distention and SIN; odds ratio (OR) 2.76 (95% CI 1.54–4.97). Distention of both length and width was associated with acute over chronic cholecystitis; OR 4.32 (95% CI 1.42–13.14). Among patients with acute cholecystitis, mean operative times were 114 min in patients with distention and 89 min in patients without distention (p = 0.03). ConclusionGallbladder distention on PoCUS was specific for cholecystitis (acute or chronic), and associated with SIN, acute cholecystitis on subsequent pathology report, and longer cholecystectomy operative times. Measurement of gallbladder dimensions as part of the assessment of cholecystitis may be advantageous.

Enrofloxacin, Effective Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis Infection in Oreochromis niloticus.

Enrofloxacin is a broad-spectrum synthetic antimicrobial drug widely used in veterinary medicine. The present study aimed to determine the effective enrofloxacin dose for treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis infection in Oreochromis niloticus. P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis isolates were verified using selective differential media and biochemically using the Vitek 2 test. Bacterial isolates were virulent for O. niloticus with LD50 equal to 2.03 × 106 and 2.22 × 107 CFU fish-1 for P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis, respectively. Infected fish suffered from decreased feed intake followed by off-food, tail erosion, darkening of the external body surface, exophthalmia, ascites, and loss of escape reflex. Internally, congested hemorrhagic hepatopancreas with engorged distended gall bladder were dominant. The posterior kidney was congested with enlarged spleen, and empty elementary tract. Pathologically, severe degenerative changes were dominant in the hepatopancreas, posterior kidney, spleen, stomach, and gills of infected fish. Antimicrobial sensitivity test indicated the high susceptibility of P. aeruginosa and E. faecalis to enrofloxacin with MIC estimated at 1 and 0.0625 µg/mL, respectively. Enrofloxacin effectively protected O. niloticus against E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa infection when used with medicated feed at doses of 10 and 20 mg kg-1 body weight.

Non-traumatic gallbladder hemorrhage with shock in Asia: A case report

Gallbladder hemorrhage, rare due to trauma, iatrogenic factors, or conditions like liver/kidney dysfunction or cancer, presents with symptoms such as right upper abdominal pain and fever. In severe cases, gallbladder blood may enter the gastrointestinal tract, causing melena or hematemesis, necessitating surgical intervention. Delay can lead to life-threatening hemorrhagic shock. Diagnosing in the emergency room is challenging, with delayed recognition risking severe outcomes. Ultrasound is vital for diagnosis. A 64-year-old female presented with three days of epigastric pain and nausea, denying trauma, fever, respiratory or chest symptoms. Unstable vital signs were noted. Blood tests showed no abnormalities; ultrasound revealed a distended gallbladder without stones. Post-cholecystectomy confirmed acute hemorrhagic cholecystitis, highlighting ultrasound’s pivotal role. Gallbladder hematoma, rare with vague symptoms, poses diagnostic challenges linked to trauma, tumors, anticoagulant use, or liver/renal disease. Initial symptoms include right upper quadrant pain, tenderness, nausea, and vomiting, resembling cholecystitis. Persistent bleeding may result in dark or bloody stools. Laboratory tests may reveal abnormalities, but sensitivity is limited. Diagnosis is complex, delayed recognition in the emergency department can lead to severe shock and increased mortality. The literature review emphasizes the association with liver/kidney dysfunction and anticoagulant use, presenting symptoms akin to gallbladder inflammation and occasional gastrointestinal bleeding. Ultrasound is pivotal for diagnosis, showcasing features like uneven echoes and localized wall thickening. Treatment approaches vary, with some cases opting for deferred surgical intervention after conservative treatment. Non-traumatic gallbladder hematoma is linked to risk factors like liver/kidney diseases and chronic anticoagulant use. Gallbladder inflammation and gastrointestinal bleeding symptoms coexist, underscoring ultrasound’s crucial role. This study establishes early detection and diagnosis protocols for emergency room settings.

Clinical analysis of infectious mononucleosis complicated with acute acalculous cholecystitis.

This study aimed to investigate specific clinical diagnostic methods for children with infectious mononucleosis (IM) complicated by acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC). We conducted a retrospective analysis of 171 cases of IM diagnosed in the infectious disease ward of Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 2020 and December 2020. All IM patients underwent abdominal ultrasound examinations to assess the liver, gallbladder, and spleen. Fourteen patients with symptoms of AAC underwent a follow-up assessment one week later. The estimated incidence of AAC in hospitalized IM children was 8.2%. Both groups of patients presented with fever, abdominal pain, and eyelid edema upon admission. Characteristic radiological findings of AAC were observed, including gallbladder (GB) distention, increased GB wall thickness and increased common bile duct diameter. Analysis of laboratory results revealed no statistically significant differences in leukocyte, absolute lymphocyte count, CD3+, CD3 + CD4+, CD3+ CD8+, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), or Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) levels between the AAC(+) and AAC(-) groups on admission. However, these parameters were not significant risk factors for AAC. After discharge, relevant indicators in non-AAC patients gradually decreased to normal levels, while those in AAC(+) patients did not show a significant decrease. While cases of IM complicated by AAC are relatively uncommon, the utilization of abdominal ultrasound offers a reliable tool for confirming this diagnosis. Routine abdominal ultrasound examinations are recommended for IM patients to improve early detection and treatment of associated conditions.

An unusual cause of biliary obstruction: a case report

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are considered as an unusual cause of extraductal biliary obstruction with less than 30 case studies found within the literature. This case report will discuss an 81-year-old female with an incidental initially asymptomatic finding of extrahepatic biliary obstruction and gallbladder distension secondary to an abdominal aortic aneurysm in routine computed tomography staging scan. Extraductal biliary obstructions can require alternative or additional interventions to that of treatment for intraductal obstruction. Subsequently, the aetiology of biliary obstruction is important for clinicians to consider and recognise, to allow for the implementation of appropriate and timely management.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Gall Bladder Volvulus: A Report of an Original Case With Review of Literature

Background: Volvulus of gallbladder is defined as a rotation of the gallbladder on its mesentery along the axis of the cystic duct and cystic artery. Many factors are postulated to be the causes such as anatomical, mechanical, physiological, and hormonal risk factors but the presence of a distended gallbladder with a redundant mesentery is thought to be an important cause.Case presentation: A 68‐year‐old woman presented with right hypochondrial pain and vomiting for 2 days that was radiated to the interscapular region and associated with nausea and vomiting. The patient had no jaundice and the abdominal examination showed severe tenderness with guarding during palpation of the right upper abdomen with no palpable mass. The WBCs were elevated, with normal liver enzymes, bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. The ultrasound showed a single gallstone with increased wall thickness. There was no significant clinical improvement with antibiotics and analgesics. During laparoscopy, volvulus of the gallbladder was discovered causing gangrene of the gallbladder. Laparoscopic detorsion and successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy were performed. The patient was discharged on the third postoperative day with dramatic improvement with no postoperative complications.Conclusion: Gall bladder volvulus is an acute surgical emergency that is usually seen in the elderly population. It required a high index of suspicion especially in the absence of gallstones and must be differentiated from acalculous cholecystitis. Most cases are discovered at surgery. It must be managed with immediate detorsion and cholecystectomy, and the prognosis is excellent in most cases after an appropriate surgical intervention.

Predicting Conversion from Laparoscopic to Open Cholecystectomy Using a Perioperative Gallbladder Scoring System

Background: Gallstones and associated consequences are a leading cause of elective and emergency laparoscopic and open surgical procedures. Since the first laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in 1985, laparoscopic Cholecystectomy has been the gold standard for treating symptomatic gallstones. Several pre-operative scoring systems can tell you if a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gall bladder surgery will be difficult based on different anatomical, imaging, and laboratory findings. However, few intraoperative scoring systems can tell if the surgery will be complicated. Some authors recently considered the most prominent essentials confronting surgeons during laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. Aim of the study: This study attempted a planned assessment of a recently reported intra-operative gallbladder scoring framework (G10) to decide if it might predict the result of surgery, essentially the ability to complete the operation laparoscopically. Patient and methods: Eight hundred thirty-seven patients admitted to laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for symptomatic gall stones were enrolled in this prospective study from 1st January 2018 to 31st 2021, performed in Rizgary and Hawler Teaching hospitals in Erbil, Iraq. Results: Among 837 patients, the mean age was 42.3 (range 14–71), 581 (69.4%) were female, and 256 (30.6%) were male. The mean operation time was 32.7 minutes, ranging from 15 to 150 minutes, and 63 (7.6%) patients were converted to open Cholecystectomy because of intraoperative difficulties. The most significant correlations were found with distended and/or contracted gall bladders, the inability to grasp the wall with traumatic forceps, an impacted stone in the Hartman's pouch, and pus or bile outside the gall bladder. Conclusion: New intraoperative scoring systems are valuable in predicting difficulties and preventing increased operation time and possible injuries; the main points of difficulties are distended or contracted gallbladder, large stone impaction, difficulty grasping the wall of the gall bladder, and the presence of bile or pus outside the gall bladder.

HPB P47 Torsion of a wandering gallbladder

Abstract Background Gallbladder torsion is an uncommon cause of acute abdomen. Despite over 500 reports published since 1898, only 10 cases of wandering gallbladder have been reported. In this anatomical variant (4-5% of the population) the gallbladder has no attachments to the liver. It is suspended only by the cystic duct and artery, which predisposes to twisting of the pedicle. Subsequent gallbladder necrosis can lead to rupture, peritonitis, sepsis and death (6%). Patients are typically elderly females, above the age of 70. A palpable gallbladder is described in 54% of cases. We report a rare case of wandering gallbladder leading to torsion. Methods An 89-year-old lady presented to emergency department with abdominal pain associated with vomiting and bowel not opened for five days. A palpable mass was evident on the right lower side of her small abdomen. Vital signs and lactate level were within normal range. Despite CRP was only moderately elevated on admission, it suddenly climbed to 504 within 24 hours. An abdominal CT scan showed a distended thick-walled gallbladder with a large stone, reported as “consistent with chronic calculous cholecystitis”. Results The patient was urgently brought to theatre for a laparoscopy where a free-floating gallbladder was found at the right lower quadrant, distended and gangrenous, rotated around its vascular axis. The surgery was converted to open due to lack of sufficient intra-abdominal space to accomplish the procedure. Her gallbladder was in the end successfully removed with no further concern and a washout of the peritoneal cavity was performed. The subhepatic drain was removed on day 1 postoperative. She recovered uneventfully and was discharged 12 days later due to social issues. Conclusions Despite rarely encountered, gallbladder torsion should be considered in the differential of patients presenting with acute abdomen, especially in case of rapid deterioration. Symptoms are nonspecific, as well as radiographic signs. A preoperative diagnosis is rarely made. If delayed, the condition may potentially become life-threatening. Surgical exploration is thus warranted and, once recognized, cholecystectomy remains the only resolutive treatment.

Proposal for a new morphological "combined type" of gallbladder cancer: description of radiopathological characteristics and comparison with other morphological types.

To describe the radiopathological characteristics of a new morphological "combined type" of gallbladder cancer (GBC) and compare it with the mass replacing gallbladder and thickening types of GBC. The imaging and pathological details of consecutive patients with GBC between August 2020 and December 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Two radiologists reviewed computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging in consensus for the morphological type of GBC. The radiologists classified GBC as mass replacing gallbladder, wall thickening, and combined type. The combined type was defined as a mass arising from the thickened wall of an adequately distended gallbladder that extended exophytically into the adjacent liver parenchyma. The presence of calculi, site, and size of lesion, biliary/portal vein involvement, liver, lymph node, and omental metastases was compared among the various types. The pathological characteristics were also compared. Of the 481 patients (median age 55 years, 63.2% females) included in the study, mass replacing gallbladder, wall thickening, and combined-type GBC were seen in 42.8% (206/481), 40.5% (195/481), and 16.6% (80/481) of patients, respectively. In the combined type of GBC, biliary/portal vein involvement was seen in 63.7% (51/80) and 7.5% (6/80) of patients. Liver, lymph node, and omental metastases were seen in 67.5% (54/80), 40% (32/80), and 41.2% (33/80) patients, respectively. Liver metastases were significantly more common in the combined type (p=0.002). There were no significant differences in pathological characteristics among the various types. Combined-type GBC is less common than the mass replacing gallbladder and thickening types and is associated with a higher risk of liver metastases.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Children: The Experience of Two Centers Focusing on Indications and Timing in the Era of "New Technologies".

In children, laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is now considered the gold standard for gallbladder (GB) removal. In the past, hemolytic disorders associated with cholelithiasis represented the most frequent conditions requiring LC; this is being overtaken by cholelithiasis and biliary conditions in overweight or ex-premature children. This study aims to describe current indications and timing for LC in pediatric patients. Retrospective study. Data on previous medical therapy, ultrasound, pre- and intraoperative aspects, and histology were collected for patients treated in 2020-2023. In total, 45 patients were enrolled: 15 who underwent urgent surgery and 30 electives. Groups differed in terms of obesity rate, symptoms, ultrasound features, and intraoperative status. The most relevant risk factors for surgical complexity were age and pubertal stage, elevated cholestasis indexes, and gallbladder wall thickness > 3 mm at ultrasound. GB wall thickening ≥3 mm, US Murphy sign, fluid collections, and gallbladder distention on ultrasound correlated with high surgical scores. Indications for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in children seem to evolve caused by changing characteristics of the pediatric population. Patients with overweight/obesity may develop more complex GB diseases. Asymptomatic patients should be considered for surgery after observation, considering age and/or pubertal maturation when other risk factors are absent.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Versus Open Cholecystectomy in Acute Cholecystitis: A Literature Review.

Cholecystectomy is a common surgical procedure performed worldwide for acute cholecystitis. Acute cholecystitis occurs when the cystic duct is obstructed by a gallstone, which causes gallbladder distension and subsequent inflammation of the gallbladder. Acute cholecystitis is characterized by pain in the right upper quadrant, anorexia, nausea, fever, and vomiting. Cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for acute cholecystitis. The two commonly performed types of cholecystectomies are open cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. However, the approach of choice widely fluctuates with regard to various factors such as patient history and surgeon preference. It is imperative to understand the variations in outcomes of different approaches and how best they fit an individual patient when deciding the technique to be undertaken. This article reviews several studies and compares the two techniques in terms of procedure, mortality rate, complication rate, bile leak/injury rate, conversion rate, and bleeding rate.

Retrospective analysis of a single unit experience in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in Northern Sri Lanka during the Covid-19 pandemic

Introduction: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a surgical procedure that removes a diseased gallbladder for various indications. It is preferred over open cholecystectomy due to fewer complications and early recovery. However, it carries different operative and postoperative complications. In addition, the availability of resources and skillful surgeons limits its use worldwide. Analysing the experience of laparoscopic cholecystectomy will enhance the training and skills and improve the surgical outcome.
 Methods: All the laparoscopic cholecystectomies done from July 2020 to July 2022 were analysed retrospectively. 
 Results: This study included eighty-seven surgeries with patients ages 8 to 84 years (mean 51.76 ±17.15). Male patients were 32.2% and females 67.8%. The indication for laparoscopic cholecystectomy was symptomatic gallstone disease in 72.4% acute/chronic cholecystitis in 14.9%, distal CBD stones in 5.7%, Gall bladder polyp in 3.4%, biliary colic in 18.4%, cholangitis in 1.2%, obstructive jaundice in 1.2% and pyocele in 1.2%. ERCP was performed by the surgeons of the same unit to manage 6.8% of the cases preoperatively and 2.2% post-operatively. Intra-operative difficulty or problems was seen in 24.13% of the cases, which included adhesions with adjacent organs in 14.9%, difficult identification of Calot's triangle in 3.4%, bile spillage 6.8% and abnormally distended gall bladder, adhered deep into the liver, and double gallbladder in 1.2% each. 1.2% of the cases needed conversion to open. Postoperative complications were noted in 20.68% of cases. 3.4% had Clavian Dindo grade I complications.
 Conclusion: Professorial unit Teaching hospital Jaffna is performing laparoscopic cholecystectomies even in the presence of limited resources. The outcomes were comparable with the international standards published up to date.