Gallbladder Torsion: A Rare Diagnostic Challenge

Abstract

Gallbladder torsion is a rare cause of acute abdominal pain and can be a diagnostic challenge for the general surgeon. We herein present a case of an 81-year-old man who presented with right-sided abdominal pain and signs of intra-abdominal infection. Transabdominal ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) scans could not identify with certainty the underlying cause of the symptoms and eventually the patient underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy, which revealed the presence of gallbladder torsion. Sequentially, a laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in a standard fashion and the patient had an uneventful post-operative recovery. Our case highlights the importance of diagnostic laparoscopy as a diagnostic and treatment tool in unclear cases of acute abdomen.