title: Blunt traumatic injury of the gallbladder in childhood.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To illustrate blunt traumatic injury of the gallbladder in childhood.
  
  
  METHODS
  A case report.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  An eight year old boy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Incidence, history, treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The gallbladder was ruptured at the neck necessitating a cholecystectomy. The child has remained well at three months follow up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Blunt traumatic injury of the gallbladder, though rare, does occur usually as a consequence of direct abdominal injury especially in children during sporting activities and fights. Minor injuries can be repaired but cholecystectomy is necessary in more extensive injuries or injury to the cystic duct and neck. A comprehensive history taking including direct questioning regarding trauma and a high index of suspicion are important for early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Ameh
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mai
authors.forename: L M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Dogo
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Esangbedo
authors.forename: P T
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Nmadu
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000293:injuries*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010988:Play and Playthings; D012421:Rupture; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*