Although torsion of the gallbladder is most commonly a disease of the
elderly, an 18-year-old woman presented with this condition. This is t
he first reported case of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder
torsion. Signs and symptoms of gallbladder volvulus are often subtle.
Radiologic evaluation may be normal. A high index of suspicion is nec
essary to make the preoperative diagnosis. If treated laparoscopically
, gallbladder decompression and detorsion prior to cholecystectomy are
helpful techniques to avoid bile duct injury. A literature review of
this uncommon problem is provided.