Gallbladder volvulus in the elderly. An emergent surgical disease

Abstract

Volvulus of the gallbladder is an extremely rare condition presenting often in elderly patients commonly mimicking acute cholecystitis. Two cases of gallbladder volvulus in two octogenarian patients are presented from our institution. Clinical presentation is reviewed and some characteristic clinical and radiographic findings are described. The etiology of this rare entity is discussed with particular emphasis on visceroptosis, a common finding in elderly patients. The importance of early recognition and rapid treatment of this potentially fatal disease is emphasized. It is possible with increasing longevity, with its accompanying tendency to visceroptosis, that this entity may occur more frequently in the future. Its recognition and proper treatment is essential to good results in this elderly group of patients.