Background: Congenital agenesis of the gallbladder (CAGB) is a rare condition often misdiagnosed as cholecystolithiasis, leading to unnecessary surgeries. Accurate diagnosis and surgical exploration are crucial in patients with suspected CAGB or atypical gallbladder stone symptoms. Preoperative imaging, such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), plays a vital role in confirming the diagnosis. Careful intraoperative dissection is necessary to avoid iatrogenic injuries and misdiagnosis. Multidisciplinary consultations and collaboration, along with the use of various diagnostic methods, can minimize associated risks.
Case summary: We present the case of a 34-year-old female with suspected gallbladder stones, ultimately diagnosed with CAGB through surgical exploration. The patient underwent laparoscopic examination followed by open exploratory surgery, which confirmed absence of the gallbladder. Subsequent imaging studies supported the diagnosis. The patient received appropriate postoperative care and experienced a successful recovery.
Conclusion: This case highlights the rarity of CAGB and the importance of considering this condition in the differential diagnosis of patients with gallbladder stone symptoms. Accurate diagnosis using preoperative imaging, such as MRCP, is crucial to prevent unnecessary surgeries. Surgeons should exercise caution and conduct meticulous dissection during surgery to avoid iatrogenic injuries and ensure accurate diagnosis. Multidisciplinary collaboration and utilization of various diagnostic methods are essential to minimize the risk of misdiagnosis. Selection of the optimal treatment strategy should prioritize minimizing trauma and maintaining open communication with the patient and their family members.
Keywords: Absent gallbladder; Biliary tract anomalies; Case report; Congenital agenesis of the gallbladder.
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