GALL BLADDER AGENESIS: CASE REPORT

Isolated agenesis of the gallbladder is a rare congenital anomaly that results from failure of the cystic bud to develop in utero. Patients are usually asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is commonly made as an incidental finding during abdominal surgery or at autopsy. OBJECTIVE: To aware about a rare case of Gall Bladder Agenesis in inconclusive USG findings. METHODOLOGY: Preoperative USG shows contracted gall bladder containing stone but intra-operatively GB was absent and postoperative MRCP shows absent gall bladder fossa with normal biliary radicals. RESULTS: Agenesis of the gallbladder is a rare but well-recognized congenital anomaly, the management of which is conservative. However, clinical and radiologic features mimic those of more common biliary conditions, and so patients frequently undergo unnecessary operative procedures. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, with the newer minimally invasive radiologic techniques, this situation can largely be avoided if awareness of this condition is improved. Pre-operative MRCP should be considered in cases in which ultrasound is inconclusive, and surgeons should maintain a low threshold for further investigation before any decision to operate.