Gallbladder perforation: A rare complication of enteric fever.
BACKGROUND
Gallbladder perforation is a rare complication of acute calculous cholecystitis in adults. Perforation of gallbladder due to enteric fever is extremely rare condition. Pre-operative diagnosis is rarely made and mortality is high.


METHODS
We report a case of acalculous gallbladder perforation following enteric fever in a 14-year-old boy, who presented as acute abdomen and responded very well after emergency laparotomy and cholecystectomy.


CONCLUSIONS
Enteric fever is common in tropics and a common cause of bowel perforation. Acute cholecystitis is a rare complication of typhoid and gallbladder perforation is extremely rare complication. Ultrasound and CT lack specificity to detect gallbladder perforation. Diagnosis is usually made intra-operatively. Cholecystectomy is treatment of choice in such cases and provides good result.


CONCLUSIONS
Gallbladder perforation secondary to enteric fever requires a high degree of clinical suspicion. In typhoid endemic region, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patient presenting with a history of prolonged fever and signs of peritonitis. Early diagnosis and immediate surgical intervention are very important in reducing the morbidity and mortality. Cholecystectomy is the choice with a good outcome.
Department of Surgery, Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India. Electronic address: dr.mahi1118@gmail.com.
Mahendra
M
Singh
Department of Surgery, Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Lovekesh
L
Kumar
Department of Surgery, Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Rashpal
R
Singh
Department of Surgery, Hindu Rao Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Aaron K
AK
Jain
Department of Surgery, Hindu Rao Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Snehal K
SK
Karande
Department of Surgery, Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Arjun
A
Saradna
Department of Surgery, Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India.
U
U
Prashanth
Enteric fever; Gallbladder; Perforation