Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Left-sided gallbladder (LSGB) is a rare anatomical variation where the gallbladder is to the left of the falciform ligament and ligamentum teres. Most commonly, it is discovered as an incidental finding at the time of operation (typically for cholecystectomy). We describe a case of left-sided gallbladder in a 71-year-old female. The patient presented with complaints of pain in the right upper quadrant and epigastric area, which had persisted for two months, accompanied by intermittent biliary colic over the previous five years. An ultrasound demonstrated a single 39 mm gallstone. She underwent an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, during which an incidental discovery of an LSGB occurred. Patients with LSGB have a relatively high risk of complications when proceeding with operative interventions, likely secondary to concurrent biliary and arterial anatomical variants. Images of the anatomy of LSGB and possible adaptations to the usual laparoscopic cholecystectomy techniques necessary to perform a safe operation are discussed, including division of the falciform ligament and altered port placements. LSGB is a rare anatomical variation that increases surgical risk at the time of cholecystectomy. Understanding this variation in anatomy is critical to undertaking safe operative interventions in these patients.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.76503
Authors: Nicole Hawkins, Matan Ben David
Institutions: Townsville Hospital, Mater Misericordiae Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4405867205