Laparoscopic treatment of gallbladder duplication. A plea for removal of both gallbladders.
BACKGROUND
Gallbladder duplication is a rare congenital condition, which can now be detected preoperatively by imaging studies.


METHODS
We report a case of duplicated gallbladder with symptomatic unilobar gallstones. Appropriate biliary workup (ultrasound, oral cholecystography, and intravenous cholangiography) allowed a correct preoperative diagnosis.


RESULTS
Laparoscopic treatment included selective removal of the diseased accessory gallbladder. However, postoperative acute cholecystitis and symptomatic gallstone occurred in the remaining main gallbladder, and laparoscopic reintervention was required 27 months later.


CONCLUSIONS
This case illustrates the need for complete removal of both gallbladders during initial surgery. Precise intraoperative recognition of vascular and biliary anatomy-including abnormalities-is highlighted to avoid mistakes during surgery.
Gigot
J
J
Department of Digestive Surgery, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Louvain Medical School, Hippocrate Avenue, 10, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium.
Van Beers
B
B
Goncette
L
L
Etienne
J
J
Collard
A
A
Jadoul
P
P
Therasse
A
A
Otte
J B
JB
Kestens
P
P
D000328:Adult; D002758:Cholangiography; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic; D002764:Cholecystitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D002765:Cholecystography; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D012086:Reoperation; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography