Cholecystomegaly: laparoscopic treatment

the gallbladder and history of ductal dilatation, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was recommended. At the time of operation the gallbladder was found to be massively dilated with a thickened wall [Figure 2]. Needle decompression (with extraction of 200 cm of bile) was used to decrease the gallbladder size and make it manageable. The gallbladder was successfully removed laparoscopically using a standard dissection and port placement. The specimen was removed through the umbilical port, which required slight enlargement for extraction. Intraoperative cholangiogram showed normal bile duct size without filling defects. The specimen measured 17 cm X 8 cm X 2 cm. Pathology showed impaction of a stone in the neck of the gallbladder, explaining the dilatation, as well as acute and chronic cholecystitis. At 6-month follow up the patient is doing well and her back pain has resolved.