Gallbladder perforation: An uncommon cause of peritonitis in a child. (November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suleman, Mujaheed; Sadiq, Adnan; Amsi, Patrick; Lodhia, Jay
• Is Part Of: International journal of surgery case reports. Volume 100(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11
• Subjects: Acute cholecystitis -- Biliary peritonitis -- Gallbladder perforation -- Pediatrics; Surgery -- Periodicals; Surgical Procedures, Operative -- Periodicals; Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.005
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2022.107765
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2210-2612

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction and importance: Gallbladder perforations are infrequently encountered in the pediatric group but can be a cause of peritonitis with significant morbidity and mortality if not diagnosed and managed promptly. Case presentation: We present a case of a 10-year-old female who presented with peritonitis due to a perforated gallbladder diagnosed by CT-scan. She was managed surgically successfully. Clinical discussion: Gallbladder perforation due to cholecystitis is usually seen in the elderly population but is uncommon among the pediatric population. Mortality rate can be as high as 26 % hence early diagnosis is vital. Management is mostly surgical as seen in the index case. Conclusion: Clinicians should keep gallbladder perforation in mind as a differential diagnosis of acute abdomen in children although uncommon. Highlights: Gallbladder perforation is uncommon to the pediatric population. If encountered in children, causes significant morbidity and mortality Clinicians should keep it as a differential diagnosis of peritonitis with a high index of suspicion. Prompt management through surgery yields favourable outcome.