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

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.