Abstract
Torsion of the gallbladder is a rare entity. Approximately 300 cases have been reported since it was first described in 1898 by Wendel (Ann. Surg. 1898; 27:199). The condition occurs most often in the elderly. Although the etiology is unknown, a constant finding is the presence of the gallbladder on a mobile mesentery (“floating” gallbladder). Torsion, or volvulus, of the gallbladder occurs when this gallbladder twists axially, with subsequent occlusion of bile and/or blood flow.
We present a case of gallbladder volvulus diagnosed and treated laparoscopically. This is the first reported laparoscopic cholecystectomy for volvulus of the gallbladder.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Alden P, Miller J, Gamble W (1989) Volvulus of the gallbladder: report of two cases and review of the literature. Minn Med 72(11): 653–656
Ashby S (1965) Acute and recurrent torsion of the gallbladder. Br J Surg 52: 182–184
Brasso K, Rasmussen O (1991) Gallbladder torsion. Eur J Surg 157: 493–494
Brewer GE (1899) Differential diagnosis in diseases of the gall-bladder and ducts. Eur J Surg 157:
Cameron EW, Beale TJ, Pearson RH (1993) Case report: torsion of the gallbladder on ultrasound—differentiation from acalculous cholecystitis. Clin Radiol 47: 285–286
Chilton CP, Mann CV (1980) Torsion of the gallbladder in a nine-year-old boy. J R Soc Med 73: 141–143
Cuervo S, Cuervo T (1939) A proposito de dos casos de volvulo biliar en dos ninos de cinco y once anos de edad respectivamente. Arch Soc Estud Clin Habana 33: 295–305
Gross RE (1936) Congenital anomalies of the gallbladder. Arch Surg 32: 131–162
Herzberg W, Nolden K (1986) Gallbladder torsion. Chirurg 57: 651–652
Ingwang R, Belsham P, Scott H, et al. (1991) Torsion of the gallbladder: rare, unrecognized, or under-reported? Aust N Z J Surg 61: 717–719
Krabbel H (1920) Die Stieltorsion der Galenblase. Dtsch Ztschr Chir 154: 76–86
Leger L, Debeyre J, Mazingarbe A (1948) Volvulus de la vesicule biliaire. J Chir 61: 21–24
Levene A (1958) Acute torsion of the gallbladder. Br J Surg 45: 338–340
Macdonald PH, Pace RF (1990) Volvulus of the gallbladder: a case report. Can J Surg 33(4): 282–283
McGregor JR, Akyol M, Macpherson SG (1988) Acute torsion of the gallbladder. Scot Med J 33: 277
Merine D, Meziane M, Fishman EK (1987) CT diagnosis of gallbladder torsion. J Comput Assist Tomogr 11: 712–713
Rawson HD (1953) Torsion of the gallbladder in a child of 12 with a review of the literature. Aust N Z J Surg 22: 315–317
Safadi R, Abu-Yousef M, Farah A, Jurf A, Shirazi S, Brown B (1993) Preoperative sonographic diagnosis of gallbladder torsion: report of two cases. J Ultrasound Med 12(5): 296–298
Schein C (1972) Volvulus of the gallbladder. In: Acute cholecystitis. New York: Harper & Row, pp 208–209
Short AR, Paul RG (1934) Torsion of the gallbladder. Br J Surg 22: 301–309
Stieber AC, Bauer JJ (1983) Volvulus of the gallbladder. Am J Gastroenterol 78(2): 96–98
Wang G, Colln M, Crossett J, Holmes R (1987) “Bulls-eye” image of gallbladder volvulus. Clin Nucl Med 12(3): 231–232
Wendel AV (1989) A case of floating gallbladder and kidney complicated by cholelithiasis with perforation of the gallbladder. Ann Surg 27: 199–202
Wetstein L, Attkiss M, Aufses A Jr (1976) Acute torsion of the gallbladder: review of the literature and report of a case. Am Surg 2: 138–141
Yeh H, Weiss M, Gerson C (1989) Torsion of the gallbladder: the ultrasonographic features. J Clin Ultrasound 17: 123–125
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Nguyen, T., Geraci, A. & Bauer, J.J. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder volvulus. Surg Endosc 9, 519–521 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206841
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00206841