Giant gallbladder: A case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Reports of a giant gallbladder are rare.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 77-year-old woman was admitted with complaints of dull pain in the right half of the abdomen and a palpable mass at the same place. A computerized tomography scan revealed an extremely enlarged gallbladder. Open cholecystectomy was performed. The volume of the removed organ was as much as 3.35 L.Follow-up after 18 months showed that the patient was well. Examination revealed no significant acquired or congenital anomalies that might explain the excessive enlargement of the gallbladder.

DISCUSSION

We define a ‘giant’ gallbladder as an extreme enlargement of the organ with a volume exceeding 1.5 L, so that its weight is comparable to or even exceeds the mean (estimated) weight of the adult liver (1.5 kg). The first clinical presentation of such an enlargement is likely to differ from any other gallbladder disease, but rather to resemble a tumour or cyst of the abdominal cavity.

CONCLUSION

A giant gallbladder is a special clinical and pathological entity in surgical practice, of unknown origin. It may develop in patients of any age, and mimics a large abdominal tumour or peritoneal cyst. Both the diagnostic process and surgical treatment demand non-routine approaches. Early and late follow-up results seem to be favourable.     

Selective Laparoscopic Approach in Suspected Gallbladder Malignancy

Background and Objectives:

We examined patients with clinical findings that are concerning for gallbladder malignancy to determine the incidence of pathology-confirmed malignancy and to discover factors that may be used to determine which patients may be initially treated with a laparoscopic approach.

Methods:

All patients referred to a surgical oncologist with preoperative findings that are concerning for gallbladder malignancy who had not undergone previous surgical resection from 2005 to 2011 were reviewed. Variables collected included demographics, imaging, operative findings, and final pathology. Patients were grouped into 3 categories based on preoperative findings: gallbladder mass, irregular wall thickening, and abnormal intraoperative findings on previous diagnostic laparoscopy.

Results:

Twenty-nine of 4474 patients evaluated for gallbladder pathology during the study period met the inclusion criteria. Preoperative imaging included computed tomography, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Twelve patients had multiple imaging studies. Eight patients were initially treated with a laparoscopic approach with 3 conversions to an open procedure. Forty-eight percent of patients had pathology-confirmed malignancy. Patients without a discrete mass on imaging were more likely to have benign disease (P = .04).

Conclusions:

Our results demonstrate that >50% of patients with suspicious preoperative findings had benign pathology, suggesting that the initial laparoscopic approach in selected patients may be appropriate.     

Angiodysplasia of the gallbladder

Introduction

Angiodysplasia is a term used to describe distinct mucosal vascular ectasias found mainly in the gastrointestinal tract. Angiodysplasia of the gallbladder is exceedingly rare.

Presentation of case

We encountered a patient who presented with biliary colic and subsequently underwent an elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The angiodysplasia of the gallbladder was found incidentally on histopathological examination of the excised gallbladder.

Discussion

Review of the literature showed only one other reported case of angiodysplasia of the gallbladder. The condition may be found incidentally after histopathological examination of the gallbladder removed for gallstone; or it may present with haemobilia.

Conclusion

We presented an extremely rare case of angiodysplasia of the gallbladder, which was found incidentally after histopathological examination of the gallbladder removed for gallstone. Angiodysplasia of the gallbladder has the potential to bleed. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is effective in providing a definitive cure.     

Gallbladder Volvulus with Gangrene Case Report and Review of the Literature

Background:

Volvulus of the gallbladder is an unusual event. Over 300 cases have appeared in the literature since first reported by Wendel in 1898,¹ ranging in age from 2 to 100 years old. Unusual mobility of the gallbladder due to congenital anomalies is a constant factor in all occurrences.

Case Report:

This is a report of a laparoscopic cholecystectomy in an 82-year-old white female with volvulus of the gallbladder presenting with a chief complaint of chest pain.

Conclusion:

The patient had an uneventful recovery and was discharged within 72 hours after surgery, indicating that with the proper technique laparoscopic cholecystectomy is both feasible and safe in gallbladder volvulus.     

Gallbladder Dyskinesia in Children

Background and Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to describe clinico-pathological characteristics in a group of children with motility disorders of the gallbladder and correlate the findings with cases receiving surgical treatment for gallstone during the same period.

Methods:

Retrospective chart analysis of all cholecystectomies from January, 1990 to June, 1995. Analysis of demographics, symptoms and duration, associated illnesses, diagnostic studies, pathological stratification, length of stay, complications, follow-up and patient satisfaction. Statistical comparison of clinical variables between gallstone and dyskinesia patients was analyzed using chi-square, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results:

Twelve children (14%) of 85 underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy during a 66-month period for gallbladder dyskinesia. Their mean age was 14 ± 3 years (range 7 to 18). Ten patients were female and two were males for a 5:1 ratio. Classic biliary symptoms (RUQ abdominal pain and FFI) predominated for a mean of 48 weeks. A predisposing factor was previous family history of gallstones in five cases (42%). The diagnosis was obtained after gallbladder non-visualization in one child and low ejection fractions after CCK stimulated hepatobiliary scan studies in the remainder. Mean ejection fraction was 16.8%. Ten cases (83%) had mild to moderate chronic cholecystitis, and two children had unremarkable pathologic changes. These changes correlated with the mean duration of symptoms, not with ejection fraction volumes. After a mean follow-up of 17 months, 11 children are free of symptoms, and one continues with intermittent diarrhea. Comparison between calculous and dyskinesia patients showed that biliary dyskinesia children suffer more dyspepsia, undergo more diagnostic studies and have a significant family history of gallstones.

Conclusions:

Gallbladder dyskinesia (GD) is a motility disorder causing symptoms similar to those of gallstones, although the clinical picture is more protracted. Diagnosis is confirmed using CCK stimulated hepatobiliary scan ejection fractions after thorough diagnostic work-up for other gastrointestinal causes. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice. Most children present with mild to moderate changes of chronic cholecystitis depending on duration of symptoms. Clinical improvement is seen in most cases after surgery.     

Endoscopically Obtained Bile Aspirate is an Accurate Adjunct in the Diagnosis of Symptomatic Gallbladder Disease

Objectives:

The experience of a single surgeon in a rural hospital over a 10-year period was analyzed with respect to the utilization of endoscopically obtained bile aspirates as an adjunct in the diagnosis of symptomatic gallbladder disease.

Methods:

A retrospective study of the author''s entire cholecystectomy experience over a 10-year period with 641 patients was conducted to evaluate the utility of the bile aspirate in the preoperative selection of operative candidates and with respect to the ultimate pathologic diagnostic accuracy of the test.

Results:

Derivation of preoperative diagnosis via traditional standard means was possible in 479 patients. An endoscopically obtained positive bile aspirate was found in 162 additional patients who failed to have positive traditional diagnostic studies (acalculous gallbladder disease). Micro-pathology was determined to be present in 603 patients (94.07%). In 27 of the 38 negatives, there had been positive radiological studies (71%). In 11 of the 38, a positive preoperative bile aspirate had been obtained (28.9%). Of the 162 patients with a positive bile aspirate, 151 (93.21%) of the gallbladder specimens had confirmatory histologic analysis (92.1% confidence interval ± 3.95%).

Conclusion:

In patients with symptoms suggestive of clinical gallbladder disease and negative traditional diagnostic studies, the endoscopically obtained bile aspirate has been shown to be a highly reliable tool in establishing the diagnosis and is recommended as an aid in the appropriate selection of candidates who may benefit from cholecystectomy.     

Gallbladder perforation by absorbable spiral tacker

Introduction

Mesh fixation with tacker systems is common in laparoscopic and open hernia repair. Complications due to absorbable tackers are rare and have not been described in the literature. However, we report a case of gallbladder erosion due to tacker dislocation.

Methods

An open hernia repair was performed using an intraperitoneal onlay mesh for a recurrent parastomal hernia after two previous mesh repairs in a 67-year-old patient.

Results

On postoperative day 2, the patient was reoperated because of a dislocated tacker that eroded and perforated the fundus region of the gallbladder. Putatively, tacker dislocation occurred owing to imbalanced traction forces. Initially, the mesh was fixed with absorbable tackers around the stoma on the right and transmuscular suture fixation was carried out on the left abdominal side. On revision surgery, tension forces to the right were therefore neutralised by additional transmuscular sutures on the right side.

Conclusions

Absorbable tackers in open hernia repair provide a safe and effective mesh fixation if tension forces are carefully avoided.     

Gallbladder perforation: A rare complication of enteric fever

INTRODUCTION

Gallbladder perforation is a rare complication of acute calculous cholecystitis in adults. Perforation of gallbladder due to enteric fever is extremely rare condition. Pre-operative diagnosis is rarely made and mortality is high.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report a case of acalculous gallbladder perforation following enteric fever in a 14-year-old boy, who presented as acute abdomen and responded very well after emergency laparotomy and cholecystectomy.

DISCUSSION

Enteric fever is common in tropics and a common cause of bowel perforation. Acute cholecystitis is a rare complication of typhoid and gallbladder perforation is extremely rare complication. Ultrasound and CT lack specificity to detect gallbladder perforation. Diagnosis is usually made intra-operatively. Cholecystectomy is treatment of choice in such cases and provides good result.

CONCLUSION

Gallbladder perforation secondary to enteric fever requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. In typhoid endemic region, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patient presenting with a history of prolonged fever and signs of peritonitis. Early diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention are very important in reducing the morbidity and mortality. Cholecystectomy is the choice with a good outcome.     

A case of xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis suspected to be adenocarcinoma based on the intraoperative peritoneal washing cytology

INTRODUCTION

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is a variant of chronic cholecystitis. XGC remains difficult to distinguish from gallbladder cancer radiologically and macroscopically.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 63-year-old female was referred to our hospital because of a gallbladder tumor. Abdominal CT and MRI revealed a thickened gallbladder that had an obscure border with the transverse colon. FDG-PET showed a high uptake of FDG in the gallbladder. Therefore, under the preoperative diagnosis of an advanced gallbladder cancer with invasion to the transverse colon, a laparotomy was performed. Because adenocarcinoma was suspected based on the intraoperative peritoneal washing cytology (IPWC), cholecystectomy and partial transverse colectomy were performed instead of radial surgery. However, the case was proven to be XGC with no malignant cells after the operation.

DISCUSSION

In patients with gallbladder cancer who underwent surgery in our institute from 2000 to 2009, the prognosis after the operation of patients with only positive IPWC tended to be better than that of patients with definitive peritoneal disseminated nodules. It is true that in some cases, it is difficult to differentiate XGC from gallbladder carcinoma pre- and intra-operatively.

CONCLUSION

Surgical procedures should be selected based on the facts that there are long-term survivors with gallbladder cancer diagnosed with positive IPWC, and that some patients with XGC are initially diagnosed to have carcinoma by IPWC, as was seen in our case.     

Early cystic duct carcinoma of new classification

Introduction

Classically defined cystic duct carcinoma is extremely rare owing to its strict diagnostic criteria, which are not suitable in actual clinical settings. Recently, several new classifications of cystic duct carcinoma were reported, which defined it as a tumor with its center located in the cystic duct. On the other hand, the incidence of cystic duct carcinoma, based on the new classifications, is not rare, but all reported cases are advanced.

Presentation of case

A 77-year-old man with dilatation of the common bile duct, a stricture at the level of the cystic duct junction, and a filling defect of contrast medium into cystic duct in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was diagnosed with cystic duct carcinoma. Radical cholecystectomy with bile duct resection was performed. In the resected specimen, we found that a 2 cm tumor whose center was located in the cystic duct and vertically limited to the mucosal layer. Horizontally, the tumor was superficially spread in the gallbladder, which were also limited to the mucosal layer.

Discussion

Here we report a first case of early cystic duct carcinoma diagnosed according to a new classification that had spread superficially into the gallbladder. When treating an early cystic duct carcinoma, it is important to note that even localized carcinoma can potentially invade into adjacent organs or metastasize to regional lymph nodes due to the location of cystic duct.

Conclusion

It is suggested that perform radical resection such as cholecystectomy with gallbladder fossa resection, extrahepatic bile duct resection and regional lymphadenectomy is the treatment of choice.     

Routine versus selective histological examination after cholecystectomy to exclude incidental gallbladder carcinoma

Introduction

Gallstone disease is treated commonly with cholecystectomy. Malignant disease of the gallbladder may present similarly and has a poor prognosis. It is common for cholecystectomy specimens to be sent for histological examination to exclude malignancy. However, the incidence of incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) is low and it has therefore been suggested that macroscopic inspection of the gallbladder by the surgeon, followed by selective histological examination of abnormal specimens, may be safe and cost saving.

Methods

All cholecystectomies performed between 1 May 2003 and 1 September 2009 were identified from clinical coding. Pathology records were used to identify gallbladder malignancies; these were searched manually to identify IGBC. Pathology reports and case notes were cross-referenced to determine whether there were macroscopic abnormalities present. Annual cost savings were estimated by comparing the number of gallbladder specimens over one year (May 2013 – April 2014) with the total number of cholecystectomies performed in that time.

Results

Of 4,776 cholecystectomies identified, 12 (0.25%) were cases of IGBC. These cases had a higher median age (68 vs 54 years, p<0.001) and a higher proportion were emergency operations (50% vs 12%, p<0.001). All cases had some form of macroscopic abnormality, most commonly wall thickening (n=6, 50%). Only two cases (17%) had a visible tumour present.

Conclusions

All cases of IGBC in this study had a macroscopically abnormal gallbladder. Our findings suggest it is safe to adopt a selective approach to histological examination. Savings of almost £20,500 per annum have been achieved.     

Relapse of acute myeloid leukemia manifested by cholecystitis: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

AML is the most common form of leukemia in adults. In rare circumstances AML may present in the form of extra-medullary disease. Gallbladder infiltration with myeloblasts is rare and only a few cases exist in the literature describing this entity.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We present a rare case of AML relapse in the form of extramedullary infiltration of the gallbladder in a 50-year-old male patient. The leukemic infiltration presented as symptomatic cholecystitis and sepsis. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed and the gallbladder was pathologically examined. Histopathologic examination demonstrated multiple scattered, highly atypical single cells admixed with some plasma cells, small lymphocytes and macrophages consistent with leukemic infiltration. The abnormal cells demonstrated immunohistochemical staining for CD68, CD33 and CD117. The patient did well post-operatively but the relapse precluded him from bone marrow transplantation.

DISCUSSION

Although AML is relatively common, 3 cases per 100,000 population, extramedullary disease in the form of gallbladder infiltration is exceedingly rare. An extensive review of the literature revealed only four cases of myeloid infiltration of the gallbladder. To our knowledge this is the only case of relapsing disease in the form of gallbladder infiltration presenting as symptomatic cholecystitis in a pre-bone marrow transplantation patient.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion of atypical manifestations of AML when managing refractory sepsis. Extramedullary manifestations of AML in the form of gallbladder infiltration must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with a history of myeloid malignancies and for patients whom fail conventional non-operative management.     

A giant adrenal cyst difficult to diagnose except by surgery

Introduction

Adrenal cysts represent rare clinical entities. Although surgical indications are well defined, pitfalls arise from the failure to establish an accurate preoperative diagnosis. Cystic lesions of other abdominal organs especially the pancreas complicate the diagnostic field.

Presentation of case

We present the case of a giant adrenal cyst in a young female causing diagnostic dilemma. Imaging studies revealed a large cystic lesion of uncertain origin located between the spleen and the tail of the pancreas. It was decided to perform a laparotomy which confirmed the presence of an adrenal cyst and enucleation of the cyst was performed. Examination at one year confirmed no complications.

Discussion

Adrenal cysts should always be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic abdominal lesions.

Conclusion

When the preoperative diagnosis is uncertain, surgical intervention can be both diagnostic and therapeutic.     

Spilled gallstones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Introduction

Incidental gallbladder cancer is found in 0.6–2.1% of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones. Patients with Tis or T1a tumours generally undergo no further intervention. However, spilled stones during surgery may have catastrophic consequences. We present a case and suggest aggressive management in patients with incidental gallbladder cancer who had spilled gallstones at surgery.

Case History

A 37-year-old woman underwent a laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic gallstones, during which some stones were spilled into the peritoneal cavity. Subsequent histological examination confirmed incidental pT1a gallbladder cancer. Hepatopancreatobiliary multidisciplinary team discussion agreed on regular six-monthly follow-up. The patient developed recurrent pain two years after surgery. Computed tomography revealed a lesion in segment 6 of the liver. At laparotomy, multiple tumour embedded gallstones were found on the diaphragm. Histological examination showed features (akin to the original pathology) consistent with a metastatic gallbladder tumour.

Conclusions

This case highlights the potential for recurrence of early stage disease resulting from implantation of dysplastic or malignant cells carried through spilled gallstones. It is therefore important to know if stones were spilled during original surgery in patients with incidental gallbladder cancer following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Aggressive and early surgical management should be considered for these patients.     

Intestinal Injury Secondary to an Umbilical Piercing

Background:

Body piercing has become increasingly popular throughout the world and may cause unanticipated complications during surgery.

Methods:

We describe the case of a 35-y-old woman with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy for metastatic disease evaluation.

Results:

An early intestinal injury occurred upon abdominal entry and introduction of pneumoperitoneum. The injury was secondary to a single adhesion between the abdominal wall and small bowel caused by a previous umbilical piercing.

Conclusions:

Umbilical piercing can lead to unanticipated intraoperative complications even if it is removed prior to surgery. Surgeons performing laparoscopy should be aware of potential pitfalls associated with these art forms.     

The impact of routine histopathological examination on cholecystectomy specimens from an Asian demographic

INTRODUCTION

Most gallbladder carcinoma cases are suspected pre-operatively or intra-operatively. In Malaysia histopathological examination of cholecystectomy specimens has become routine practice. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of routine histological examinations on cholecystectomy specimens from an Asian demographic, which may differ from a Caucasian demographic.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed of all histopathoiogy reports for choiecystectomies (Iaparoscopic and open) undertaken over a period of 12 years (1997-2008) in a single teaching hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 1,375 gallbladder specimens were sent for histopathological analysis, with 7 (0.5%) being reported as malignant while only three (0.2%) were found to contain primary gallbladder carcinoma. Other premalignant findings included two specimens with dyspiastic changes of the mucosa and one tubuioviiious adenoma with a dyspiastic epithelium. From the ten malignant and premalignant specimens, seven were diagnosed pre-operatively, two were suspected intra-operatively and one was diagnosed with dyspiastic changes on the histopathoiogy report post-operatively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports earlier research carried out in the UK and the demographic difference does not affect the impact of the histology examination on cholecystectomy specimens in diagnosing this disease. A selective policy is recommended in Malaysia.     

Gallbladder selection for histopathological analysis based on a simple method: a prospective comparative study

INTRODUCTION

After a cholecystectomy, the current and traditional practice is to send each resected gallbladder to the pathologist for analysis. Some reports have suggested the possibility of selecting only those gallbladders that need to be analysed. The purpose of this study was to show a simple method for selecting which gallbladders should be sent to the pathologist.

METHODS

A prospective comparative study was carried out. Two ‘tests’ were performed in 150 patients to detect or rule out gallbladder cancer. The first test included the patient''s variables and a macroscopic gallbladder analysis performed by the surgeon (MGAS). The second test was the analysis performed by the pathologist. The results were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 150 patients, 132 were women and 18 men; 130 were under 60 years old. One patient had inflammatory bowel disease, seven had changes on ultrasonography and in four cases intra-operative disturbances were observed. During the MGAS, disturbances were found in 30 patients. Eighty-one cases (54%) had at least one or more risk factors for gallbladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

In almost half of the gallbladders, it would be safe not to send the specimen to the pathology department, decreasing costs significantly.     

Diagnostic and therapeutic value of laparoscopy for small bowel blunt injuries: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Small bowel injuries after blunt abdominal trauma represent both a diagnostic and a therapeutic challenge. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are necessary in order to avoid a dangerous diagnostic delay. Laparoscopy can represent a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in patients with uncertain clinical symptoms.

PRESENTATION OF THE CASE

We report the case of a 25-year-old man, haemodynamically stable, admitted for acute abdominal pain a few hours after a physical assault. Giving the persistence of the abdominal pain and the presence of free fluids at the computed tomography examination, an exploratory laparoscopy was performed.

DISCUSSION

At the laparoscopic exploration, an isolated small bowel perforation was found, 60 cm distal from the ligament of Treitz. The injury was repaired by laparoscopic suturing and the patient was discharged home at postoperative day 3 after an uneventful postoperative course.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopy represents a valuable tool for patients with small bowel blunt injuries allowing a timely diagnosis and a prompt treatment.     

Laparoscopic Repair of a Right Paraduodenal Hernia

Background and Objectives:

Right paraduodenal hernia (PDH) results from a primitive gut malrotation. The resultant jejunal mesenteric defect posterior to the superior mesenteric vessels allows decompressed jejunum to herniate retroperitoneally. PDH make up 53% of all internal hernias, but account for only 0.2% to 5.8% of all cases of intestinal obstruction. In addition, PDH exhibits male and left-sided predominance. Ours is the second report to describe the preoperative diagnosis and totally laparoscopic repair of a right PDH.

Methods:

We report the case of a 26-year-old female with symptoms suggestive of partial small bowel obstruction and a 6-year history of intermittent abdominal pain. Physical examination demonstrated lower quadrant tenderness. Plain abdominal radiographs and ultrasonography were nondiagnostic. Contrasted computed tomography of the abdomen revealed jejunum encased within the right upper quadrant suspicious for right PDH.

Results:

The patient underwent successful laparoscopic right PDH repair and was discharged home on postoperative day 1 without late sequelae.

Conclusions:

In the outpatient setting, clinical suspicion and comprehensive radiological investigation permit preoperative diagnosis of right PDH. In acute situations, clinical presentation, plain radiographs, and then diagnostic laparoscopy may be an expeditious diagnostic algorithm. Subsequent laparoscopic repair of right PDH is feasible and may shorten hospital length of stay.     

Laparoscopic repair of chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia using biologic mesh with cholecystectomy for intrathoracic gallbladder

Background and Objectives:

Diaphragmatic rupture is a serious complication of both blunt and penetrating abdominal trauma. In the acute setting, delay in diagnosis can lead to severe cardiovascular and respiratory compromise. Chronic cases can present years later with a plethora of clinical symptoms. Laparoscopic techniques are being increasingly utilized in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias.

Method:

We describe a case of a 70-year-old female who presented with signs and symptoms of a small bowel obstruction. She was ultimately found to have an obstruction secondary to a chronic traumatic diaphragmatic hernia with an intrathoracic gallbladder and incarcerated small intestine. A cholecystectomy and diaphragmatic hernia repair were both performed laparoscopically. This case report presents an atypical cause of bowel obstruction and reviews the current literature on laparoscopic management of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias.

Results and Conclusion:

Laparoscopy is increasingly used in the diagnosis and treatment of traumatic diaphragmatic hernias with good results.