Gallbladder torsion is an uncommon clinical entity and a difficult condition to diagnose preoperatively. Since its first description in 1898 by Wendel there have been over 500 documented cases in the literature. It is known to occur when there is rotation of the gallbladder along the axis of the cystic duct and vascular pedicle. Except for isolated cases reported in childhood, this disease is more frequently encountered in the elderly with 85% of the cases reported between the ages of 60 and 80 years. There is a female preponderance with a female to male ratio of 3:1. Gallbladder torsion typically presents as an acute abdomen requiring emergency surgery but preoperative diagnosis of gallbladder torsion is difficult and most cases are found as a surprise at surgery.We report a case of acute gallbladder torsion in an elderly lady and review the clinical aspect of the disease.
Torsion of the gallbladder resulting in a volvulus is a rare clinical finding that poses a diagnostic challenge preoperatively to both surgeons and radiologists. It is thought to occur secondary to a redundant mesentery where rotation of the gallbladder occurs along the axis of the cystic duct and cystic artery. Gallbladder volvulus commonly presents as acute cholecystitis and is rarely diagnosed preoperatively. An early emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment. Early consideration of this diagnosis enables prompt surgical intervention and quick postoperative recovery periods.
Gossypiboma is a cotton-based foreign body retained within the human body following a surgical procedure. Transmural migration of intra-abdominal gossypiboma into the small bowel is rare; however, it can present with life-threatening complications. We report a case of a 28-year-old male who presented with small bowel obstruction due to gossypiboma, 11 years after the initial surgical procedure. Due to the size of the retained surgical swab, 40 cm × 40 cm, an open surgical approach was preferred. Following removal of the retained swab and bowel reconstruction, the patient was followed in clinic and discharged without complications. Staff education and adherence to operating room record-keeping protocols can prevent gossypiboma. To the best of our knowledge such a long interval between the initial surgery and presentation of gossypiboma that large has not been previously reported in the literature.
In 1832 pandemic cholera travelled across Europe with devastating mortality. Before this, doctors had speculated on the benefits of intravenous therapy but none had tried. Only in 1832 did Thomas Latta perform intravenous infusions. This treatment disappeared after Latta's death. This was mainly due to general medical scepticism, lack of biochemical and physiological knowledge and poor patient selection. Finally, there were no further pandemics comparable with that of 1832 to provide the catalyst to accelerate medical development in this field.
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