Laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a patient with situs inversus: Advantage of 30º scope

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the commonest surgical procedures carried out in the world today. Symptomatic gallstones needs surgery also patients with situs inversus. We discuss our case and problems encountered during surgery and how to solve them. A 50-year-old male presented with recurrent epigastric and left hypochondriac pain for the last year. A diagnosis of gallstones in a patient with situs inversus totalis was made following clinical examination and radiological investigation. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was subsequently performed and the patient made an uneventful recovery. Situs inversus presenting with symptomatic gallstones is very rare. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and other abdominal surgical operations are more difficult in patients with situs inversus hence they are rarely practiced.