Laparoscopic treatment of gallbladder volvulus: A pediatric case report and literature review

Volvulus of the gallbladder has been reported mostly in elderly women and is rarely reported in children. In this paper, we report a recent case of successful detorsion and removal of the gallbladder via minimal access surgery, which was diagnosed as gallbladder volvulus preoperatively by means of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An 11-year-old boy presented with an acute abdomen, and acute cholecystitis was suspected, based on the findings of ultrasound and computed tomography. However, a diagnosis of gallbladder volvulus was established through MRI, and emergency laparoscopic surgery was subsequently performed. Laparoscopy revealed a hemorrhagic, gangrenous gallbladder that floated anteriorly. The gallbladder was rotated twice around its pedicle in a counterclockwise direction. It was untwisted through laparoscopy, and a cholecystectomy was performed without difficulty. To achieve an early, prompt preoperative diagnosis, MRI could be an effective alternative to conventional imaging modalities. The advent of laparoscopic detorsion and cholecystectomy as a treatment for gallbladder volvulus allows less invasive treatment, a shorter hospital stay, and better cosmesis, which are highly desirable in children.