Spilled unretrieved gallstones can cause rare but significant complications such as intraperitoneal abscesses, fistulas, intestinal obstruction and broncholithiasis. A 79 year old woman presented with a painful abscess on her right flank and MRI that revealed a large collection extending into the pararenal space. Her recent surgical history included a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholecystitis. She underwent an incision and drainage of the flank abscess which revealed a large cavity containing purulent exudate and several small gallstones. Gallstones are more likely to be spilled during laparoscopic cholecystectomy when compared to the open procedure. Steps during a laparoscopic cholecystectomy where the gallbladder can be perforated include when grasping the gallbladder, when dissecting the gallbladder off the liver and during retrieval through the umbilical port site. The risk of perforation is increased with an inflamed gallbladder. Spilled gallstones can have serious complications that will likely require an additional surgical procedure.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.