Brazilian Journal of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Empyema of Gallbladder Presenting as Abdominal Wall Abscess: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Muhammad Shamim
Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Empyema of the gallbladder is a severe complication of acute cholecystitis, and it can result in unusual presentations when complications like fistula formation arise. This report outlines the case of a 45-year-old female who presented with a 5-day history of pain and a lump in her right upper abdomen. Initial evaluation revealed an abdominal wall abscess, but intraoperative findings revealed a fistula from the gallbladder, complicating what initially appeared to be a straightforward incision and drainage. An open cholecystectomy was performed after the abscess was explored, and the patient had an uneventful recovery. This case serves as a reminder that gallbladder pathology can sometimes manifest in surprising ways, requiring a change in surgical strategy.

Keywords: Abdominal Wall Abscess, Cholecystocutaneous Fisula, Empyema of Gallbladder, Cholecystitis, Gallbladder Stone..

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