Intraoperative Diagnosis of Gallbladder Agenesis

Abstract

Gallbladder agenesis is a congenital anomaly that often presents with symptoms of biliary colic. Due to the rarity of this condition, it is often difficult to diagnose pre-operatively. Here we present a case of a 33-yo female with a 6-month history of right upper quadrant abdominal pain and associated nausea. With false-positive imaging findings of cholelithiasis on ultrasound examination, an incidental intraoperative diagnosis of gallbladder agenesis was made during a routine elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This finding was confirmed with postoperative magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. The primary aim in reporting this case is to further promote awareness of this rare condition out of concern for increased risk of iatrogenic operative injury in the setting of a condition where conservative management is recommended.