Laparoscopic management of massive intraperitoneal haemorrhage caused by an acute gallbladder perforation

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the gold standard for managing the treatment of patients with symptomatic gallstone disease. Certain patients with acute cholecystitis will develop gallbladder perforation (GP). Furthermore, massive intraperitoneal haemorrhage following perforation is a rare complication. The high morbidity and mortality rates associated with this condition are due to delays in the diagnosis and treatment since signs and symptoms of perforation do not differ significantly from those of uncomplicated cholecystitis. Severe inflammation and haemodynamic instability necessitate exploratory laparotomy in many patients. To the best of our knowledge, no study had described laparoscopic completion cholecystectomy for massive intraperitoneal haemorrhage caused by an acute GP. Laparoscopy can be an option for the management of these patients, in selected cases and with available expertise.

Keywords

• Acute cholecystitis
• haemorrhage
• laparoscopy
• perforation