A Case of the Absence of the Gallbladder with Intrahepatic Gallstones

Abstract

A case of absence of the gallbladder and a review of 96 reports from the Japanese literature are reported. A 59-year-old man received laparotomy under the diagnosis of chronic cholecystitis and intrahepatic gallstones. At surgery a small lump which seemed to be a cystic duct and the dilated common bile duct were observed, but the gallbladder was not identified. Hepatectomy (S3) was performed for intrahepatic gallstones. Of the 73 reported cases in which complications were discussed, the common bile duct appeared to be normal in 24 cases (32.8%) and was dilated in 26 cases (35.6%). Twnety three cases also had choledocholithiasis with dilatation of the common bile duct. A significant difference in mean age was found between the group with the normal common bile duct and the group with dilatation or choledocholithiasis. In conclusion absence of the gallbladder makes the common bile ductdilate gradually, and some symptoms manifest with aging. 6 reports with the intrahepatic gallstone werefound including our case.