Published in:
01-05-2003
Complete gallbladder and cystic pedicle torsion Laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment
Authors:
H. A. Amarillo, E. D. Pirchi, M. E. Mihura
Published in:
Surgical Endoscopy
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Issue 5/2003
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Abstract
Complete gallbladder torsion is an unusual emergency that requires immediate surgical treatment. Since it was first reported in 1898, <400 cases have been described in the literature, and only three of them were diagnosed and treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our objective here is to describe an approach that allows a definitive diagnosis and treatment. First we present the case of a febrile 81-year-old woman with acute right upper quadrant pain. Ultrasound showed an alithiasic distended gallbladder with a multilayered wall and a transverse orientation. When exploratory laparoscopy was performed, a gangrenous gallbladder secondary to a 360° clockwise cystic pedicle torsion was found. Laparoscopic decompression, detorsion, and cholecystectomy with an intraoperative cholangiogram were completed. The patient was discharged 72 h later. Next, several preoperative diagnostic methods are reviewed. We conclude that the laparoscopic treatment of this entity is feasible and obviates the performance of unnecessary and nonspecific tests. It offers a favorable and rapid postoperative recovery, in addition to the other well-known advantages of the minimally invasive surgical approach.