GALLBLADDER DUPLICATION AND LAPAROSCOPIC MANAGEMENT

Gallbladder duplication can present a significant challenge to the lap aroscopic surgeon, primarily due to difficulties with diagnosis and re cognition. Previous reports of attempted laparoscopic cholecystectomy in patients with gallbladder duplication resulted in incomplete or sta ged multiple procedures. The case report of a 35-year-old woman with s uccessful laparoscopic management of symptomatic gallbladder duplicati on is described, emphasizing several important considerations, Preoper atively when evaluating radiologic studies a high index of suspicion i s necessary in interpreting atypical findings, To further evaluate the se abnormalities, liberal use of preoperative ERCP is helpful, and spe cific endoscopic techniques may be necessary as well. Intraoperatively , the findings may be confusing, and cholangiography can help clarify ductular anomalies, especially if the gallbladder duplication is conta ined within a common serosal coat. Missing a second gallbladder can re sult in persistent symptoms postoperatively necessitating further surg ery. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the management of gallbladder dup lication can be safely done and an awareness is necessary to avoid com plications or multiple procedures.