A ghost Gallbladder. An unusual case of gallbladder agenesia from a clinical and medico-legal point of view

Introduction: Congenital agenesis of the gallbladder is an uncommon anatomical variation. This congenital disease is usuall asymptomatic, although some affected individuals may have a clinical picture suggesting gallbladder disease. Case presentation: A 31-year-old woman entered the emergency room with nonspecific abdominal symptoms, compatible wit a gallbladder disease. The patient underwent many ultrasounds and an MRI cholangiography that did not display the gallbladde Despite the negative results, doctors suspected lithasic cholecystitis, due to persistent symptoms, and suggested a laparoscopi cholecystectomy. However, after converting the surgery to laparotomy and performing an intraoperative cholangiography, surgeon diagnosed a gallbladder agenesis. Conclusion: The present case raises two interesting medico-legal issues related to surgical indication and informed consen Clinical knowledge of this case and the medico-legal implications can be useful to any healthcare professional in order to increase th safety of treatments and prevent adverse events.