Bilateral adrenal hemorrhage following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Massive bilateral adrenal hemorrhage occurring in the postoperative period is an unusual but potentially life-threatening complication of any abdominal operation. The diagnosis is often difficult due to the nonspecific nature of the clinical presentation, which is easily attributable to other more common postoperative conditions. We report a case of bilateral adrenal hemorrhage resulting in acute primary adrenal insufficiency following an otherwise-uncomplicated laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which has not previously been described. An awareness of the possibility of this uncommon condition complicating laparoscopic cholecystectomy may lead to a higher index of suspicion, which is important in timely diagnosis and prompt treatment.