Biliary Collection After Subtotal Cholecystectomy: Unveiling a Hidden Complication Through Diagnostic Laparoscopy

Abstract

Cholecystectomies have risen to become one of the more commonly practiced procedures, Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is considered the gold standard for treatment of benign gallbladder diseases, Acute cholecystitis can complicate this laparoscopic cholecystectomy, necessitating a switch in technique or conversion to open surgery. In such challenging scenarios, subtotal cholecystectomy (STC) serves as a "rescue" procedure. Recognized as a last resort technique by many surgeons, the decision to employ STC is crucial to prevent severe complications. This report discusses a case where biliary collection was diagnosed intraoperatively during a diagnostic laparoscopy prompted by abdominal discomfort on postoperative day 10. Such cases underscore the importance of vigilant monitoring and flexible surgical strategies in managing complications arising from laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSION

This case presented, addresses one such difficulty during the intraoperative and postoperative periods wherein an unusual complication of bile leak that could not be identified. Even after so much research on gall bladder surgery, each case proves to be a challenging one with scope to learn other newer techniques. Subtotal cholecystectomy is an important tool for use in challenging gallbladders and accomplishes morbidity rates equivalent to those reported for total cholecystectomy in simple cases.