Carcinoma of the gallbladder found during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become an accepted appropriate method for removal of the diseased gallbladder. With cancer of the gallbladder to be expected in 1-2% of all biliary tract operations, it is likely that surgeons may be confronted with the unsuspected finding of gallbladder carcinoma during the course of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We present here a case of gallbladder carcinoma found at laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and discuss the interesting clinical findings associated with this entity, including the preoperative suggestion of Trousseau's syndrome. A review of the pertinent literature is included.