INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the "gold standard" for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones. However, this surgical technique increases the risk of bile duct injury and lost gallstones. Since over 90% of split gallstones never become symptomatic, they often present as incidental findings on CT-scans. Careful removal of as many stones as possible, intense irrigation and suction are recommended. It has been reported that 8.5% of lost gallstones will lead to a complication, most common are abscesses. PRESENTATION CASE: We report a case of spilled gallstones simulating peritoneal metastases on radiological investigations. Diagnosis was very difficult, not even an US-guided biopsy of the lesion was decisive. Only a diagnostic laparoscopy confirms the diagnosis. DISCUSSION: The reaction associated with lost gallstones can mimic other causes, such as soft tissue sarcoma, malignant lymphoma or, as in our case peritoneal carcinomatosis. CONCLUSION: Spilled gallstones are associated with uncommon, but significant complications, and even the diagnosis of such a condition can cause serious difficulties. Serious effort must be made to prevent gallbladder perforation, and accidental stone spillage should be promptly recognized and properly managed.

Spilled gallstones simulating peritoneal carcinomatosis: A case report and literature review.

Capolupo GT;Carannante F;Caricato M
2018-01-01

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the "gold standard" for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones. However, this surgical technique increases the risk of bile duct injury and lost gallstones. Since over 90% of split gallstones never become symptomatic, they often present as incidental findings on CT-scans. Careful removal of as many stones as possible, intense irrigation and suction are recommended. It has been reported that 8.5% of lost gallstones will lead to a complication, most common are abscesses. PRESENTATION CASE: We report a case of spilled gallstones simulating peritoneal metastases on radiological investigations. Diagnosis was very difficult, not even an US-guided biopsy of the lesion was decisive. Only a diagnostic laparoscopy confirms the diagnosis. DISCUSSION: The reaction associated with lost gallstones can mimic other causes, such as soft tissue sarcoma, malignant lymphoma or, as in our case peritoneal carcinomatosis. CONCLUSION: Spilled gallstones are associated with uncommon, but significant complications, and even the diagnosis of such a condition can cause serious difficulties. Serious effort must be made to prevent gallbladder perforation, and accidental stone spillage should be promptly recognized and properly managed.
2018
Gallstones; Peritoneal carcinomatosis; Laparoscopic cholecystectomy
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12610/10467
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? 0
  • Scopus 11
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 9
social impact