Gallbladder Volvulus: Three Case Reports

Abstract

We treated 3 patients with gallbladder volvulus who presented to our hospital because of abdominal pain. Although physical examination and blood tests suggested a mild clinical presentation, all returned with worsening of the abdominal pain and were diagnosed as having gallbladder torsion preoperatively or postoperatively. Case 1: A 21-year-old man presented to our hospital with right-sided abdominal pain. Based on the findings of computed tomography (CT), he was diagnosed as having gallbladder volvulus, and we performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Case 2: An 86-year-old woman was referred to a previous hospital with right-sided abdominal pain and was transferred to our hospital the following day for further detailed examination. CT revealed gallbladder volvulus, and she underwent laparotomy. Case 3: A 92-year-old woman visited a previous hospital with right-sided abdominal pain and was transferred to our hospital the following day with suspected ileus based on the findings of CT. We performed a laparotomy, and made the diagnosis of gallbladder volvulus. Gallbladder volvulus is rare in clinical practice and is therefore difficult to diagnose based on physical examination and blood tests. Imaging tests are more useful for establishing a preoperative diagnosis. If we could diagnose this condition preoperatively, laparoscopic surgery could be performed.