Gallstone empyema complicating laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Empyema may rarely present as a delayed complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients with this complication invariably have associated dropped gallstones in the peritoneal cavity. The gallstones may erode through the diaphragm or migrate through preexisting defects in the diaphragm. The latter are seen in over 50% of the elderly population and may predispose them to this rare complication.
DeVincenzo
R
R
Department of Radiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA.
Haramati
L B
LB
Wolf
E L
EL
Klapper
P J
PJ
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002769:Cholelithiasis / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000473:pathology; D016724:Empyema, Pleural / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013997:Time Factors