Year: 2026 | Month: October | Volume: 16 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 128-131
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20261013
Traumatic Gangrenous Gallbladder Following Blunt Abdominal Trauma: A Rare Case Scenario
Akansha Jain1, Priyansha2, Shubham Badola3, Saurav Buri4
1,2,3,4Department of General Surgery,
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, New Delhi, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Akansha Jain
ABSTRACT
Background: Gallbladder injury following blunt abdominal trauma is uncommon because of the organ’s protected anatomical position beneath the liver and rib cage. Isolated traumatic gallbladder injury is even rarer and is frequently associated with delayed diagnosis due to nonspecific clinical manifestations.
Case Presentation: We report the case of a 42-year-old chronic alcohol consumer who presented with abdominal pain, respiratory distress, and abdominal distension following a fall from stairs under alcohol intoxication. Imaging demonstrated free intraperitoneal fluid and suspected gallbladder perforation. Exploratory laparotomy revealed hemoperitoneum and a grossly distended gangrenous gallbladder without any associated visceral injury. Cholecystectomy was successfully performed, and the patient had an uneventful postoperative recovery.
Conclusion: Traumatic gangrenous gallbladder is a rare but potentially life-threatening consequence of blunt abdominal trauma. A high index of suspicion is necessary in patients with right upper quadrant pain following trauma, particularly in chronic alcoholics. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Key words: Gallbladder trauma, Gangrenous gallbladder, Blunt abdominal trauma, Cholecystectomy, Gallbladder perforation