Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for a gallstone within an intrahepatic gallbladder: A case report in Abidjan

Introduction

The intrahepatic location of the gallbladder is one of the most common ectopic locations of the gallbladder. An intrahepatic gallbladder often exhibits impaired function, which may lead to stasis and gallstone formation. Given the surgical complexities associated with this ectopic location, the traditional open approach is usually employed.

Case report

The authors report the case of a 52-year-old female patient who consulted for pain in the right hypochondrium. Physical examination revealed only right upper quadrant pain on palpation. Abdominal ultrasound revealed gallbladder lithiasis without indicating the presence of an anatomical anomaly. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in the “French position” with 4 trocars. During surgery, we discovered an intrahepatic gallbladder. Subserosal dissection of the gallbladder was done without having to perform a hepatotomy. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 2 without any complications.

Discussion

Intra hepatic location of gallbladder is rare and can be detected by ultrasound or CT scan but in our study, it has not been detected by ultrasound before operation. Laparoscopic approach for a gallstone within ectopic gallbladder is rarely described in literature because cholecystectomy by conventional route is preferred when this anomaly is known and mostly when gallbladder is completely embedded within the liver.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy remains the gold standard for a partial intrahepatic gallbladder.