Lost intraperitoneal stones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: harmless sequela or reason for reoperation?

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the "gold standard" in the therapy of noncomplicated cholelythiasis. Gallbladder perforation with bile and calculi spreading in the abdominal cavity is one of the most frequent intraoperative complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. When not recognized during surgery or unproperly treated, it may lead to intraperitoneal abscess formation and may require a reoperation. We report a case of an intraperitoneal abscess with a cutaneous fistula, a site of a mucopurulent exudate, and stone spillage after an unrecognized gallbladder perforation and residual lithiasis in the peritoneal cavity found 3 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.