Radiologic features of complications arising from dropped gallstones in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients.
OBJECTIVE
Because laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the accepted treatment for symptomatic cholelithiasis, radiologists frequently encounter patients who have had this surgery. Although the radiologic features of postoperative bile duct injury are well documented, the imaging features of less well-known complications remain poorly described. One such unusual complication is abscess formation caused by dropped gallstones.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the incidence of dropped gallstones is an uncommon complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, it should be recognized as a potential source of both intraabdominal and intrathoracic abscess formation in any patient presenting months to years after undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. These abscesses are not necessarily confined to the right upper quadrant.
Morrin
M M
MM
Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Kruskal
J B
JB
Hochman
M G
MG
Saldinger
P F
PF
Kane
R A
RA
D018784:Abdominal Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D014463:Ultrasonography