Gallbladder volvulus: report of two original cases and review of the literature

Am Surg. 2005 Jan;71(1):87-9.

Abstract

Gallbladder volvulus is defined as the rotation of the gallbladder on its mesentery along the axis of the cystic duct and cystic artery. It is an unusual and rare occurrence with a predilection for women in their seventh or eight decades of life. Only about 300 cases have been reported in the literature ranging from ages 2 to 100 years old. The etiology of gallbladder volvulus remains speculative; however, the presence of a redundant mesentery is a prerequisite for torsion. Gall-bladder volvulus leads to occlusive obstruction of biliary drainage and blood flow. With early diagnosis and surgical intervention, the disease maintains a low mortality of approximately 5 per cent. We present two original cases of acute gallbladder volvulus successfully treated with cholecystectomy, as well as a review of the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cholecystectomy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Gallbladder / blood supply
  • Gallbladder / diagnostic imaging
  • Gallbladder / surgery
  • Gallbladder Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Gallbladder Diseases / etiology
  • Gallbladder Diseases / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesenteric Arteries / abnormalities
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Torsion Abnormality / diagnosis
  • Torsion Abnormality / etiology
  • Torsion Abnormality / surgery
  • Ultrasonography