Abdominal Wall Haematoma Complicating Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Of 61 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 4 (6.25%) developed abdominal wallhaematomas. This complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy may occur more commonly than existingliterature suggests, and manifests in the post-operative period (days 2 to 6) by visible bruising, excessive painor an asymptomatic drop in haematocrit. It is readily confirmed by ultrasonography. While no specifictreatment is necessary apart from replacement of significant blood loss, the patient requires reassurance thatthis apparently alarming complication will rapidly resolve.