Laparoscopic management of gallstones in a duplicate gallbladder with double cystic ducts: A case report.

Abstract

Background: Duplicated gallbladder with two completely independent cystic ducts is an exceptionally rare congenital anomaly. This case report documents an example of successful laparoscopic management, adding to the limited literature by highlighting the importance of accurate preoperative imaging and surgical planning.

Case summary: We present the case of a 46-year-old Uyghur woman who was admitted with intermittent right upper abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting that had persisted for 1 week. Her basic blood test results, including liver function test, were normal. Preoperative ultrasound revealed an abnormal echo in the gallbladder region, suggesting a double gallbladder malformation with one chamber containing multiple stones. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography confirmed a double gallbladder anomaly. The patient subsequently underwent successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy. During the procedure, two gallbladder chambers were identified, with each cystic duct being independently inserted into the common bile duct. Surgery was completed without complications, and postoperative pathology confirmed the presence of gallstones and chronic cholecystitis. Because of the effective preoperative assessment, the patient recovered smoothly and was discharged 3 days after surgery, reporting no discomfort during follow-up.

Conclusion: This case highlights the need for thorough evaluation of rare gallbladder anomalies; literature recommends removing both to prevent disease recurrence. We present this case to raise clinical awareness, support appropriate diagnosis, and reinforce the recommendation to remove both gallbladders to prevent recurrence of gallbladder disease.