HPB SO14 - Surprise Inside: Gallbladder Herniation in a Parastomal Hernia - A Rare Case Report and Management Insight

Abstract Background Parastomal hernias are a common complication of stoma formation, affecting approximately 40% of patients within two years. Gallbladder herniation within a parastomal hernia is a rare phenomenon, with only 18 cases previously reported. Patients are typically elderly females, with the condition attributed to ageing factors such as loss of visceral fat and elastic tissue, liver shrinkage, and the increased length and loss of elasticity of the gallbladder mesentery. These factors contribute to visceroptosis of the gallbladder, increasing its mobility and the risk of herniation. Method We present the case of a 68-year-old female with a four-day history of severe parastomal hernia pain and swelling. She had an emergency left hemicolectomy and transverse colostomy in the right upper quadrant 10 years prior for ischaemic colitis and perforation. Her stoma was functioning well. Vital signs and biochemistry results were normal. On examination her hernia was severely tender but partially reducible. CT revealed a right upper abdominal parastomal hernia containing loops of colon and surprisingly the gallbladder with a long stretched cystic duct. There was no evidence of cholecystitis, bowel obstruction, or compromise within the hernial sac. Results With analgesia, the patient's pain improved, though her hernia remained irreducible. She was discharged after two days of conservative management and referred back to the hospital where she had the initial operation. On enquiry with that hospital it was reported that an elective parastomal hernia repair with completion right colectomy and end ileostomy was performed. The gallbladder was mobilised and reduced back into the peritoneal cavity, and the hernial defect was closed. The patient made an excellent recovery and was discharged home three days after surgery. Conclusion Cholecystic parastomal herniation is a very rare phenomenon and should be considered as a differential in similar cases. Management should be based on clinical presentation, radiological diagnosis, and a multidisciplinary team approach. No standardised classification or approach exists. We propose classifying gallbladder herniations as either being simple (without inflammatory sequelae) or complicated (with cholecystitis, gallbladder torsion, incarceration or perforation). Simple herniations, such as the case presented, can be managed electively with intra-operative reduction of the gallbladder sufficing. Complicated herniations during acute admissions indicate the need for emergency surgical intervention with combined cholecystectomy and parastomal hernia repair.