Cholecystitis with gallbladder rupture leading to free gallstone migration causing chronic abdominal wall sinus formation: A case report.

BACKGROUND

Gallstones are frequently observed in patients with cholecystitis, but the migration of free gallstones into the abdominal wall leading to chronic sinus formation is exceedingly rare.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a case of a 72-year-old woman who experienced recurring fever and abdominal pain following laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis, during which gallbladder rupture was noted. Despite initial conservative management and temporary T-tube placement, the patient developed a chronic sinus in the abdominal wall 9.5 years later, characterized by an area of thickened soft tissue with ulceration and purulent discharge. Surgical exploration revealed the presence of a migrated gallstone at the base of the sinus tract, necessitating careful surgical removal and postoperative wound care.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the potential long-term complications of retained free gallstones and the importance of thorough surgical retrieval.