Gallbladder volvulus

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]

Synonyms and keywords: Torsion of gallbladder;

Overview

Volvulus is twisting of a non solid organ around its mesentric axis. Gallbladder volvullus is twisting or rotation of gall bladder along the axis of cystic duct and vascular pedicle(cystic artery).

Historical Perspective

It was first described by Wendal in 1898.

Pathophysiology

Torsion of gall bladder leads to occlusion of cystic duct and artery. This torsion can be complete (180^o - 360^o) or incomplete(< 180^o). Incomplete torsion causes obstruction to bile duct and vascular supply may be spared. In complete obstruction both are compromised. This occlusion leads to increase in bile in the lumen and decreased flow of blood to the organ. Increased pressure in the lumen with ischemia leads to acute inflammation causing surgical emergency.

Gross Pathology

• Enlarged and distended gallbladder.
• Torsion along the long axis of the peduncle.
• Thick edematous wall with mucosal congestion.

Microscopic Pathology

• Extensive necrosis of the wall
• Findings may be similar to gangrenous cholecystitis due to severe ischemia.

Causes

Volvulus of gallbladder is known to be caused due to

• Inherent causes
  • Floating gallbladder
• Acquired causes
  • Splanchnoptosis
  • Senile humpback
• Physical causes
  • Sudden changes of intraperitoneal pressure
  • Sudden changes of body position
  • Hyperperistalsis of organs near the gallbladder
  • Defecation
  • Trauma to the abdomen

Differentiating Gallbladder Volvulus from other Diseases

• Careful evaluation is important to rule out other causes of acute abdominal pain.
• Differentiating from cholecystits
  • Low grade fever and low frequency of jaundice are against ,
  • Absence of toxaemia,
  • Poor response to antibiotic therapy
  • Ultrasound or other imaging studies helps is differentiating.

Epidemiology and Demographics

Over 500 cases have been documented since its description in 1898.

Age

• Few cases are reported in pediatric population.
• 85% of the cases are reported in 60 - 80 age group.

Gender

• There is a female preponderance for this condition.
• Female to male ratio is 3:1.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for gallbladder volvulus include

• Hyperperistalsis
• Scoliosis
• Weight loss
• Multiparity

Cholelithiasis as a risk factor is still uncertain.

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Complications

• Acute perforation
• Bilious peritonitis
• Bowel adhesion's
• Gallbladder necrosis
• Gangrenous cholecystitis
• Sepsis

Prognosis

• It has favorable a prognosis due to early diagnosis and prompt treatment.
• With immediate surgery the mortality rate is less than 5%.

Diagnosis

Presentation of gallbladder volvulus is very non -specific. It is tough to diagnose based upon history and symptoms alone as patients presents with acute pain abdomen with or without vomiting. At times there may be a tender mobile mass palpated suggestive of floating gallbladder.

Lau et al grouped clinical features into three triads

• Triad of patient characteristics
  • Thin patient
  • Old patient with chronic chest disease
  • Patient with deformed spine
• Triad of symptoms
  • Typical abdominal pain
  • Early onset of vomiting
  • A short history of symptoms
• Triad of physical signs
  • An abdominal mass,
  • Lack of toxaemia or jaundice
  • A discrepancy in the pulse and temperature.

Laboratory Findings

• Laboratory investigations are largely unhelpful for diagnosis of gallbladder volvulus.
• Findings of ongoing inflammatory process are noticed.
• Elevated white blood counts, raise in C- reactive protein are noticed.
• Liver enzymes are usually normal.