Extraabdominal malposition of the gallbladder

Abstract

Anomalies of the biliary system are rare. Anomalies of the gallbladder and anomalies of the bile ducts are distinguished. We observed a newborn with a gallbladder in an extraabdominal malposition, an anomaly that has not been previously described. Ultrasonography revealed a cystic structure with a ductlike connection with the interior surface of the liver and connecting blood vessels. On the bottom side of the liver, there was no orthotopic gallbladder. As the nature of this lesion could not be definitely clarified, an explorative laparotomy was performed. Histologic examination established the diagnosis of an ectopic gallbladder. Malformations of the extrahepatic bile passages are difficult to assess, as only a small percentage of such anomalies produce symptoms. Knowledge of the wide range of possible abnormalities in position, shape, and number of the gallbladder can help in cases where the diagnosis is unclear. Abnormally positioned gallbladders should be removed. The possibility of an ectopic gallbladder must be kept in mind when a suspicious cystic area is encountered in an atypical location, when the gallbladder is not seen in its normal location, or the preoperative diagnostic workup does not confirm the typical clinical symptoms of gallbladder disease.