title: Cholelithoptysis: an unusual complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: A 75-year old lady underwent a routine laparoscopic cholecystectomy during which stones were spilled into the peritoneal cavity. Despite peritoneal lavage the patient developed chronic right upper quadrant discomfort and a pleural effusion over several months. Following the production of a pigmented bilirubin stone in her sputum the patient's symptoms resolved. Cholelithoptysis is a rare complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the diagnosis should be considered in patients with prolonged chest symptoms after surgery.
authors.affiliation: Academic Department of Surgery, Royal London Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: S Y
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: A W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Osborne
authors.forename: S F
authors.initials: SF
authors.lastname: Purkiss
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000032:analysis; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology*; D005549:Foreign-Body Reaction / Q000209:etiology*; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000293:injuries; D006801:Humans; D010533:Peritoneal Lavage; D010537:Peritoneum; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012421:Rupture / Q000209:etiology; D013183:Sputum / Q000737:chemistry*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001663:Bilirubin