A rare late complication of spilled gallstones

N Z Med J. 2010 Jul 16;123(1318):62-6.

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the treatment of choice for symptomatic gallstones. A complication that is often overlooked is that related to lost intraabdominal gallstones as a consequence of intraoperative gallbladder perforation. This is a case report of a patient presenting with a colovesical fistula due to lost gallstones from laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed 14 years previously. A literature review follows that explains how lost gallstones have the potential to cause late complications and why it is should not be ignored.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic / adverse effects*
  • Colonic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Colonic Diseases / etiology*
  • Colonic Diseases / surgery
  • Colonoscopy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gallbladder / injuries
  • Gallstones / complications*
  • Gallstones / surgery
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Fistula / diagnosis
  • Intestinal Fistula / etiology*
  • Intestinal Fistula / surgery
  • Intraoperative Complications*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Urinary Fistula / diagnosis
  • Urinary Fistula / etiology*
  • Urinary Fistula / surgery