Spilled gallstones mimicking peritoneal metastases.
BACKGROUND
Spillage of bile and gallstones due to accidental perforation of the gallbladder wall is often encountered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Although spilled stones were once considered harmless, there is increasing evidence that they can result in septic or other potential complications.


METHODS
We report a case of spilled gallstones mimicking peritoneal metastases on radiological investigations; diagnosis was confirmed by diagnostic laparoscopy.


CONCLUSIONS
Every effort should be made to retrieve spilled gallstones during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. When all the stones cannot be retrieved, it should be documented in the patient's medical records to avoid delay in the diagnosis of late complications. Diagnostic laparoscopy is useful when the radiological investigations are inconclusive.
Belfast City Hospital, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, BT9 7AB, United Kingdom. bobby.dasari@yahoo.com
Bobby V M
BV
Dasari
William
W
Loan
Declan P
DP
Carey
D000368:Aged; D017081:Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005704:Gallbladder / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D042882:Gallstones / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery; D010535:Laparoscopy; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed