THE LOST GALLSTONE - COMPLICATION AFTER LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the treatment of choice for mo st patients with gallstones. During this procedure it is not uncommon for the gallbladder to be entered inadvertently, spilling gallstones f reely into the peritoneal cavity. Finding and removing all of the spil led gallstones can be difficult and time consuming. The natural histor y of stones left in the peritoneal cavity, outside the gallbladder, bi le ducts, or intestine, is not known. This is a case report of a compl ication related to several gallstones left in the peritoneal cavity af ter laparoscopic cholecystectomy. An abscess developed around them, wh ich necessitated the drainage of purulent exudate from the right flank 8 months postoperatively. The abscess and sinus tract did not heal un til the stones were removed. If possible, all stones should be removed during laparoscopic cholecystectomy to forestall the development of t his type of complication.