Gallstone-related abdominal cystic mass presenting 6 years after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A case report. (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faour, Rama; Sultan, Dana; Houry, Rand; Faour, Mhamad; Ghazal, Ahmad
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 32(2017)
• Page Start: 70
• Page End: 72
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: Spilled gallstones -- Laparoscopic cholecystectomy -- Abscess -- Cystic mass -- Late complication -- Case report; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.01.059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Highlights: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard for gallbladder disease. Complications of gallstones spillage in the peritoneum are uncommon. We report a case of spilled gallstones presenting 6 years after LC with uncharacteristic clinical presentation. The diagnosis of gallstone abscess after years of LC is usually a diagnostic challenge. Abstract: Introduction: Although gallbladder perforation and gallstones spillage are common complications during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), clinically significant complications resulting from stones left in the peritoneum are extremely uncommon. We report a rare case of spilled gallstones complication with a late and uncharacteristic presentation. Presentation of the case: A 44-year-old Caucasian female presented with a complaint of a mass in the right upper quadrant associated with a cramping pain for the last 6 months. Her past surgical history included a laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed six years ago. Abdominal computed tomography demonstrated an intra-abdominal cystic mass. On open exploration, a cystic mass adhered to the abdominal wall was excised containing two gallstones. The patient tolerated the procedure well and had uneventful postoperative recovery. Discussion: Although unretrieved gallstones are considered harmless, serious complications can occur early or late. The most frequent complication is the formation of abscesses in different locations. Conclusion: The diagnosis of gallstone abscess after years of LC is usually a diagnostic challenge. Obtaining a comprehensive past surgical history still plays an important role in the assessment of patients presenting with unusual findings.