Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder torsion

Abstract

Although torsion of the gallbladder is most commonly a disease of the elderly, an 18-year-old woman presented with this condition. This is the first reported case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder torsion. Signs and symptoms of gallbladder volvulus are often subtle. Radiologic evaluation may be normal. A high index of suspicion is necessary to make the preoperative diagnosis. If treated laparoscopically, gallbladder decompression and detorsion prior to cholecystectomy are helpful techniques to avoid bile duct injury. A literature review of this uncommon problem is provided.