Non‑operative Management of Gallbladder Perforation After Blunt Abdominal Trauma

Abstract

Isolated gallbladder perforations following blunt abdominal trauma are very rare. They often present with insidious onset of symptoms a few days after the initial insult and an operative course of management ensues. This is in the form of a cholecystectomy and peritoneal lavage; more often via laparotomy rather than laparoscopically. Conservative management, in the form of cholecystostomy, percutaneous intraperitoneal drainage or cholecystorraphy has been described; however, these cases have invariably resulted in cholecystectomy eventually. The case uniquely highlights the successful non‑operative management of isolated traumatic gallbladder perforation.

Key words: Cholecystectomy, cholecystorraphy, damage control surgery, endoscopic management