Introduction: Duplicate gallbladder is a congenital anomaly with various anatomical presentations that can pose difficult diagnostic dilemmas. This case presents the consequence of recurrent cholecystitis after prior cholecystectomy due to delay in diagnosis of a duplicate gallbladder and insufficient treatment at first presentation. It also provides the opportunity to discuss the anatomical variations of duplicate gallbladders and their clinical implications.
Presentation Of Case: We report on a 46-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of cholecystitis despite a history of cholecystectomy. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) as well as review of intraoperative cholangiogram from the index surgery identified a cystic structure continuous with the biliary tree. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed and histology confirmed a duplicate gallbladder. The patient did well post-operatively without any complications.
Discussion: Harlaftis's classification of duplicate gallbladder categorizes anatomical variations based on embryological origin. Though rarity contributes to missed diagnosis, modern imaging techniques that delineate the biliary tree can identify these abnormalities. Recognizing these variations can identify risk for recurrent disease preoperatively and thereby guide surgical decision-making.
Conclusion: Duplicate gallbladder poses a risk for the unique presentation of recurrent cholecystitis despite cholecystectomy. Advanced imaging techniques that demonstrate biliary anatomy can identify duplicate gallbladder perioperatively. For those presenting with disease in any one gallbladder, resection of both is ideal to prevent recurrence of disease.
Rationale: Duplication of gallbladder is a rare anomaly in humans, as it is very rare for a duplication of gallbladder to be missed during the first cholecystectomy and thus require a second cholecystectomy.
Patient Concerns: A 42-year-old man came to our hospital with paroxysmal right upper abdominal pain for 10 days. In addition to the pain, he also had transient jaundice.
Duplication of the gallbladder is an uncommon condition that can complicate surgical procedures, potentially leading to increased risks during surgery.
A 51-year-old diabetic man with acute cholecystitis was accurately diagnosed with a rare double gallbladder, leading to an effective laparoscopic cholecystectomy after initial conservative treatment failed.
This case underscores the importance of tailored surgical approaches and highlights knowledge on managing rare biliary conditions in the medical field.
This case underscores the importance of advanced imaging techniques in diagnosing complex biliary anomalies. Accurate Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography and ultrasound evaluations can distinguish between choledochal cysts and duplicate gallbladders, guiding effective surgical intervention and improving patient outcomes.
Rationale: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is widely performed as a standard treatment for cholelithiasis, and chyle leakage after LC has rarely been reported. Duplicated cystic ducts draining a single gallbladder is an extraordinarily rare variation.
Patient Concerns: We presented a case of chyle leakage after LC in a 53-year-old female with a rare variation of duplicated cystic ducts.
Accessory gallbladders are rare congenital malformations of the hepatobiliary system. They are often incidentally diagnosed preoperatively or intra-operatively. We report a case of a 52-year-old man with an accessory gallbladder that was partially encased by esophageal adenocarcinoma.
