Liver ectopia: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Ectopic rest of normal tissue (choristoma) is known. Here we describe a liver choristoma, found on the gall bladder wall and gastrohepatic ligament during a donor hepatectomy. Histological examination of the tissue showed normal hepatocytic cords. The gall bladder along with ectopic liver tissue were removed as part of the surgery. The donor recovered uneventfully. Ectopic liver is usually an incidental finding at laparoscopy, laparotomy or autopsy. There are many theories to explain its presence. If found on the gall bladder wall it seems reasonable to resect it along with the gall bladder if cholecystectomy is being performed, but to leave it alone if seen incidentally during other procedures.

Keywords

• liver
• ectopia
• choristoma
• accessory lobe
• gall bladder