Torsion of the gallbladder leading to gangrene: A case report and literature review

Gallbladder torsion is a rare but potentially catastrophic presentation to an acute surgical unit. It was first described by Wendel in 1898 where this presentation was labelled as a ‘floating gallbladder’, with a high propensity for perforation1. Since then approximately 500 cases have been reported in the literature2. Anatomically, gallbladder torsion occurs where the gallbladder rotates along its mesentery causing vascular compromise and obstruction to biliary drainage. This leads to subsequent necrosis and perforation3. Shaikh A. et al have reiterated that the entire aetiological sequence of gallbladder torsion continues to remains a debated topic although, generally, a redundant mesentery is required for torsion to occur4. In most reported cases, the gallbladder has been shown to undergo a clockwise rotation 5. As described later, this presentation has predominantly been reported in elderly females suggesting that age plays a role in anatomically predisposing to torsion. Factors hypothesised for this include decrease in visceral fat and liver atrophy making free movement of the gallbladder and ultimately volvulus more likely to occur6. The symptoms of gallbladder torsion are in keeping with those of cholecystitis, typically presenting with right upper quadrant pain, nausea and vomiting 2. Clinical examinations of previously reported cases have documented abdominal distention, right upper quadrant pain and localised peritonitis2. These non-specific signs can make this specific phenomenon a challenge to diagnose in clinical practice. It has been documented that a partial volvulus can present with intermittent symptoms, similar to those seen in biliary colic, although the majority of cases will present acutely with signs described above 3. Due to the relatively low numbers reported in the literature it is difficult to determine the most appropriate investigations in patients where this is expected. Classically, patients presenting with right upper quadrant pain will likely receive an abdominal ultrasound on ...