A left-sided gallbladder (LSG) represents a rare anatomical variation defined by the location of the gallbladder to the left side of the liver falciform and round ligaments, which is often not discovered until surgery. The reported prevalence of this ectopia ranges from 0.2% to 1.1%, however, those values may be underestimated. It is mostly an asymptomatic condition, thus not causing the patient any harm, and being few reported cases in the current literature. Based on clinical presentation and standard diagnostic procedures, LSG can remain undetected and represent accidental intraoperative finding. The attempts to explain the cause of this anomaly have been different, but the numerous variations described do not allow a clear definition of its origin. Although this debate is still open, it is of considerable importance to know that LSG is frequently associated with alterations of both the portal branches and the intrahepatic biliary tree. The association of these anomalies, therefore, represents an important risk of complications in cases when surgical treatment is necessary. In this context, our literature review aimed to summarize possible anatomical anomalies coexisting with LSG and discuss the clinical significance of the LSG, when the patient requires cholecystectomy or hepatectomy.
Keywords: anatomy; cholecystectomy; hepatectomy; laparoscopy; left-sided gallbladder.