J Korean Surg Soc.  2002 Sep;63(3):244-246.

Intraabdominal Abscess Formation by Inadvertently Spilled Gallstones during Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

• Suh YJ
• Kim W
• Chun CS

Abstract

Various complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomy have been reported. We describe a case of intraabdominal abscess formation which was developed two months after the inadvertently spilling of gallstones laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with acute cholelithiasis. The condition was initially found on computed tomography and the diagnosis was confirmed with ultrasound. Although this is a rare complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the spilling of gallstones should be recognized as a potential source of intra-abdominal abscess formation even in a patient presenting months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We suggest that routine use of the specimen retrieval bag is highly recommended especially for beginners of laparoscopic cholecystectomy during their initial learning period.

Keyword

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Abdominal abscess; Gallstones; Postoperative complications

MeSH Terms

Abdominal Abscess
Abscess*
Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic*
Cholelithiasis
Diagnosis
Gallstones*
Humans
Learning
Postoperative Complications
Ultrasonography