Laparoscopic Management of Symptomatic Remnant Gallbladder
Symptomatic Remnant Gallbladder
Authors
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José Varela Rubén
1. Division of General Surgery, Cosme Argerich Hospital, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3860-235X
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María Cristina du Plessis
Division of General Surgery, Cosme Argerich Hospital. Pi y Margall 750, C1155AHD, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8867-8331
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Enrique Juan Petracchi
1. Division of General Surgery, Cosme Argerich Hospital, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2575-4656
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Nicolás Francisco Baglietto
Division of General Surgery, Cosme Argerich Hospital. Pi Y Margall 750, C1155ahd, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4906-6361
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Bernabe Matias Quesada
Division of General Surgery, Cosme Argerich Hospital. Pi y Margall 750, C1155AHD, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3094-0031
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Guadalupe Frias Mena
Division of General Surgery, Cosme Argerich Hospital. Pi Y Margall 750, C1155ahd, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6743-8566
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Oriana Beatriz Comodo
Division of General Surgery, Cosme Argerich Hospital. Pi y Margall 750, C1155AHD, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6511-4203
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Maria Julieta Ymaz
Division of General Surgery, Cosme Argerich Hospital. Pi y Margall 750, C1155AHD, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
https://orcid.org/0009-0007-3315-5534
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Carlos Manuel Canullan
Division of General Surgery, Cosme Argerich Hospital. Pi y Margall 750, C1155AHD, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5755-0367
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Hugo Israel Zandalazini
Division of General Surgery, Cosme Argerich Hospital. Pi y Margall 750, C1155AHD, Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7655-2416
Keywords:
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy, Postcholecystectomy syndrome, Cystic Duct, Remnant gallbladder, Completion cholecystectomyAbstract
Background/Aim: Symptomatic remnant gallbladder (SRG) is an uncommon but clinically relevant cause of postcholecystectomy syndrome. It is characterized by residual gallbladder or cystic duct tissue containing stones after incomplete or subtotal cholecystectomy, often following a technically difficult operation. Diagnosis may be challenging, and treatment is primarily surgical. This study aimed to analyze a case series of laparoscopic management of SRG in a general surgery department.
Methods: A case series analysis was conducted using a prospectively maintained surgical database at Cosme Argerich Hospital. Patients who underwent laparoscopic management of SRG between January 2019 and March 2025 were included.
Results: Eleven patients with SRG were identified. All had a history of open cholecystectomy or laparoscopic cholecystectomy converted to an open approach. All patients underwent an initial laparoscopic approach to completion surgery; one required conversion to open surgery. Postoperative morbidity was 9%, with no mortality. During follow-up, all patients experienced symptomatic improvement.
Conclusion: SRG should be considered in the differential diagnosis of postcholecystectomy syndrome, particularly in patients with a history of difficult cholecystectomy. A laparoscopic approach is feasible, and successful treatment depends on accurate identification and appropriate management of the cystic duct.
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References
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Copyright (c) 2026 José Varela Rubén, María Cristina du Plessis, Enrique Juan Petracchi, Nicolás Francisco Baglietto, Bernabe Matias Quesada, Guadalupe Frias Mena, Oriana Beatriz Comodo, Maria Julieta Ymaz, Carlos Manuel Canullan, Hugo Israel Zandalazini
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