LAPAROSCOPIC TREATMENT OF GALLBLADDER DUPLICATION - A PLEA FOR REMOVAL OF BOTH GALLBLADDERS

Background: Gallbladder duplication is a rare congenital condition, wh ich can now be detected preoperatively by imaging studies. Methods: We report a case of duplicated gallbladder with symptomatic unilobar gal lstones. Appropriate biliary workup (ultrasound, oral cholecystography , and intravenous cholangiography) allowed a correct preoperative diag nosis. Results: Laparoscopic treatment included selective removal of t he diseased accessory gallbladder. However, postoperative acute cholec ystitis and symptomatic gallstone occurred in the remaining main gallb ladder, and laparoscopic reintervention was required 27 months later. Conclusions: This case illustrates the need for complete removal of bo th gallbladders during initial surgery. Precise intraoperative recogni tion of vascular and biliary anatomy-including abnormalities-is highli ghted to avoid mistakes during surgery.