Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder torsion in a 3-year-old child

Abstract

Background: Gallbladder torsion is a congenital abnormality of the gallbladder and is a rare cause of acute abdomen. Although gallbladder torsion is a life-threatening condition requiring emergency surgery, laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder torsion in pediatric patients has seldom been reported.

Case presentation: A 3-year-old boy with abdominal pain and vomiting was admitted to our hospital. He was diagnosed with acute cholecystitis through abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography, and he received antibiotics. Two days after admission, a repeat abdominal ultrasound revealed exacerbation of gallbladder wall thickness and lack of intramural blood flow, which led to a diagnosis of gallbladder torsion. Emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed, and the gallbladder was twisted counterclockwise at 270°. After an uneventful course of intraoperative and postoperative treatment, the patient was discharged on postoperative day 6.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder torsion was safely performed in a pediatric patient.

Keywords: Gallbladder torsion; laparoscopic cholecystectomy; pediatric patient.