Rationale: Triple gallbladder is a rare congenital anatomical abnormality because of the incomplete regression of rudimentary bile ducts and is often not found until it is accidentally detected during imaging research.
Patient concerns: We report a rare case of triple gallbladder malformation and review the English literature on biliary tract variation caused by gallbladder malformation. The diagnosis, treatment, and postoperative situation of the patients were summarized and analyzed.
Diagnoses: The patient was diagnosed with triple gallbladder malformation.
Interventions: We conducted laparoscopic cholecystectomy for the patient.
Outcomes: We successfully removed all 3 gallbladders by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and the patient had no postoperative complications such as bleeding or bile leakage and recovered well.
Lessons: At present, the best treatment for triple gallbladder malformation is to remove all 3 gallbladders by laparoscopic cholecystectomy, which can effectively prevent the occurrence of "postcholecystectomy syndrome" caused by individual gallbladder residue. However, the diagnosis of triple gallbladder is very challenging and often requires a combination of advanced imaging methods. However, sometimes preoperative imaging does not fully reveal biliary tract variation. Therefore, we need to rely on the guidance of evidence-based medicine before surgery and the accurate evaluation of surgical plans to complete the operation without risk.
Copyright © 2025 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.