Partial Gallbladder Avulsion Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Case Report

Gallbladder injuries secondary to blunt abdominal trauma are uncommon and often associated with other intra-abdominal lesions. Due to nonspecific clinical findings and subtle radiologic features, diagnosis is frequently delayed, which may contribute to increased morbidity if surgical treatment is not promptly instituted. We report the case of a young male who sustained blunt abdominal trauma following a motorcycle accident and presented with persistent abdominal pain. Imaging raised suspicion of acute cholecystitis, but diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a partial gallbladder avulsion associated with a hepatic laceration and active bleeding. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed successfully, with hemostasis achieved and no need for conversion to laparotomy. The postoperative course was marked by transient hematobiliary drainage but was ultimately uneventful, and the patient was discharged in good condition. Histopathology confirmed a congested and hemorrhagic gallbladder wall without calculi. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of gallbladder trauma in the absence of specific clinical or imaging findings and emphasizes the importance of considering this rare injury in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Early surgical intervention in stable patients may provide definitive management with favorable outcomes.

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Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-10-15
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.94609
Primary Topic
Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
Type
article
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article

Partial Gallbladder Avulsion Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Case Report

Telma Rodrigues Brito, Teresa Almeida, Cláudia Lima, Fábio Viveiros et al.
Cureus
Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
article

Partial Gallbladder Avulsion Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Case Report

Telma Rodrigues Brito, Teresa Almeida, Cláudia Lima, Fábio Viveiros, José Mauro Cardoso Couto
article en

Abstract

Gallbladder injuries secondary to blunt abdominal trauma are uncommon and often associated with other intra-abdominal lesions. Due to nonspecific clinical findings and subtle radiologic features, diagnosis is frequently delayed, which may contribute to increased morbidity if surgical treatment is not promptly instituted. We report the case of a young male who sustained blunt abdominal trauma following a motorcycle accident and presented with persistent abdominal pain. Imaging raised suspicion of acute cholecystitis, but diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a partial gallbladder avulsion associated with a hepatic laceration and active bleeding. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed successfully, with hemostasis achieved and no need for conversion to laparotomy. The postoperative course was marked by transient hematobiliary drainage but was ultimately uneventful, and the patient was discharged in good condition. Histopathology confirmed a congested and hemorrhagic gallbladder wall without calculi. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of gallbladder trauma in the absence of specific clinical or imaging findings and emphasizes the importance of considering this rare injury in patients with blunt abdominal trauma. Early surgical intervention in stable patients may provide definitive management with favorable outcomes.

CureusVol. 17(10)
Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (PT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 54%
Abdominal Trauma and Injuries
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