Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for giant gall stone: Report of two cases

BACKGROUND: Giant Gallbladder calculus is an uncommon finding among Africans. This condition has paucity of reports in literature. Laparoscopic approach is even a rarer modality of treatment. AIM: This is to report two cases of giant gall stone treated laparoscopically. CASE REPORT: A 32 year old female presented with a history of right hypochondrial pain, on examination, blood pressure was 110/70 mmHg, pulse was 76 beats per minute, and tender right hypochondrum. Abdominal ultrasound showed calculus in gall bladder working diagnosis was Acute Cholecystitis secondary to Cholelithiasis. She had laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The findings were: Giant gallbladder calculus measuring 8.2 cm by 7.5 cm in diameter. The second patient was a 62 year old woman who presented with right hypochonrial pain, on examination, Murphy’s and Moynyham modified Murphy’s were positive. Abdominal and pelvic scan showed multiple gallbladder calculi. She had laparoscopic cholecystectomy and findings were multiple calculi with one measuring 8 cm by 6 cm in widest diameters. Both patients’ follow-up in outpatient clinic were uneventful. CONCLUSION: Giant gall stone is a rare condition. It is not an absolute indication for open cholecystectomy. Laparoscopy can be a very useful method of treatment in experienced hands.