Post-operative ascites of unknown origin after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Case report

Introduction and importance: Post Laparoscopic cholecystectomy ascites is a rare complication that might be due to biliary leak, lymph duct injuries, infections, peritoneal reaction bowel injuries, malignancies and etc. Case presentation: Here we have reported post-cholecystectomy ascites presented with hypovolemic shock in a women of unknown origin. Different possible etiologies have been ruled out for her but her intra-peritoneal secretions had been decreased about one week of hospitalization and was discharged without figuring out its etiology. Clinical discussion: Post-cholecystectomy ascites is a rare condition that could be caused by biliary leak, lymphatic leak, ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome, infections, peritoneal reactions and malignancies that all of them should be considered for these patients to manage their problem. Conclusion: The exact cause of ascites in the presented case was still unknown and the condition was controlled by administration of corticosteroids, octreotide, albumin, and insertion of the stents in biliary ducts. More investigation esp. on immunologic causes are needed.