Unexpected intraoperative finding of gallbladder torsion.

ABSTRACT

Gallbladder (GB) torsion or volvulus is a rare entity affecting elderly women. Only ~500 cases have been reported in the literature. Incidence is rare seen in ~1 in 365 520. A constant finding is the presence of the GB on a mobile mesentery. Torsion, or volvulus, of the GB occurs when it twists axially, with the subsequent obstruction of bile and/or blood flow. We briefly describe a 75-year-old female patient with acute abdomen and ultrasound and Computed tomography of abdomen revealed a distended GB. On laparotomy, we encountered a twisted GB with gangrene and cholecystectomy was done. GB volvulus is a rare occurrence and clinically mimic's acute cholecystitis and should be sought with high suspicion especially when encountering a thin elderly woman. Immediate diagnosis is prime as delay may be fatal. Even with recent advances in imaging, it is difficult to make a correct preoperative diagnosis of GB torsion.