Sequelae of spilled 'pelvic' gallstones after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in women: case report and literature review

Objective To describe a case of long-term sequelae of gallstones spilled and unretrieved during laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a woman patient and to review the published reports of similar cases. Setting The gynaecology department of a district hospital. Subject A 46-year-old woman presenting with persistent chronic pelvic pain 10 months after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Results This woman had over 800 gallstones of Various sizes left in the peritoneal cavity following laparoscopic cholecystectomy These had become embedded in the pelvic structures and caused an extensive peritoneal reaction and adhesions involving the ovaries, fallopian tubes and loops of large bowel. Review of the Literature revealed 10 earlier reports of serious complications of spilled gallstones involving the pelvic structures in women following laparoscopic cholecystectomy with the inflammation persisting for up to 3 years. Conclusion Spillage of a significant quantity of gallstones at laparoscopic cholecystectomy in women should not be considered a minor complication, and open retrieval may be justified.