title: Retroperitoneal abscess as a late complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Gallstone spillage during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a relatively common occurrence. These intraperitoneal gallstones are considered to be harmless. Rarely, they may give rise to complications. Surgeons should retrieve spilled stones whenever possible.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report the case of a 75-year-old man with retroperitoneal abscess that developed 6 years following laparoscopic cholecystectomy as a late complication. The cavity, though it drained purulent material, was sterile in culture. Gallstones were found in the drain effluent. To our knowledge this is the first case report in English of such a delayed complication caused by spilled gallstones.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Every effort should be made to avoid perforation of the gall bladder during its dissection. Whether the procedure should be converted to open surgery to retrieve all the stones is subject to debate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Emergency Aid Traumatology Training and Research Hospital, 06530 Umitköy, Ankara, Turkey. koceyup@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Eyüp
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Koç
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Suher
authors.forename: Sükran Ulusoy
authors.initials: SU
authors.lastname: Oztuğut
authors.forename: Cüneyt
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ensari
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Karakurt
authors.forename: Nuraydin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ozlem
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D042882:Gallstones / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017703:Retropharyngeal Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015898:Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed