Laparoscopic Management of Traumatic Hemorrhagic Cholecystitis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Blunt trauma to the gallbladder is a rare entity, particularly when no other organ is injured. In isolated blunt traumatic injury to the gallbladder, treatment options vary depending on the specific injury. The types of blunt trauma injuries to the gallbladder and their appropriate management are discussed. In addition, a case successfully managed with minimally invasive techniques is presented. METHODS A passenger admitted after a high-speed front-end motor vehicle crash was safely managed with laparoscopic surgery for a rare case of isolated gallbladder trauma. The preoperative and operative management are discussed as well as the application of minimally invasive surgery for this rare process. RESULTS Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed successfully. The patient did well postoperatively with no complications. No other injuries were identified at the time of laparoscopy. CONCLUSION Minimally invasive techniques may be safely applied to blunt trauma of the gallbladder in certain circumstances.