Perforation of the gallbladder due to blunt abdominal trauma
I. Wiener, L. C. Watson and F. J. Wolma
Gallbladder perforation due to blunt trauma is an uncommon finding. We
report our experience with six patients. The factors predisposing to
perforation include a distended gallbladder because of either fasting or
alcohol ingestion in normal patients, and obstruction of the cystic in
patients with cholelithiasis. The diagnosis of gallbladder perforation
after blunt injury may be suspected in patients with signs of an acute
abdomen and hypotension that is not explained by blood loss. Peritoneal
lavage that contains bile suggests the tentative diagnosis of trauma to the
biliary tract or gallbladder, as well as to the liver or upper bowel. A
cholecystectomy is the preferred treatment when gallbladder perforation
occurs in the traumatized patient.
