Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis in a patient with left-sided gallbladder: a case report

BACKGROUND: Left-sided gallbladder is a relatively rare anatomical variation that is frequently associated with a biliary system anomaly. Here, we describe a case of left-sided gallbladder with acute cholecystitis treated by laparoscopic cholecystectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: An 86-year-old man with acute upper abdominal pain was admitted to our hospital. Computed tomography demonstrated that the gallbladder was centrally dislocated and the wall enhancement was discontinued. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed that the gallbladder wall was thickened and abnormally swollen. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. The round ligament was attached to the right side of the gallbladder, and the left-sided gallbladder was diagnosed by intraoperative findings. The patient was discharged 5 days after surgery without postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: A flexible and optimal port site should be inserted in cases of left-sided gallbladder with acute cholecystitis. An assessment of the extra- and intrahepatic biliary system is essential to avoid biliary injury in cases of left-sided gallbladder with acute cholecystitis.