LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY FOR GALLBLADDER VOLVULUS

Torsion of the gallbladder is a rare entity. Approximately 300 cases h ave 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 o f the gallbladder on a mobile mesentery (''floating'' gallbladder). To rsion, or volvulus, of the gallbladder occurs when this gallbladder tw ists axially, with subsequent occlusion of bile and/or blood flow. We present a case of gallbladder volvulus diagnosed and treated laparosco pically. This is the first reported laparoscopic cholecystectomy for v olvulus of the gallbladder.