Gallbladder Perforation in a 7 Year Old - A Diagnostic Challenge in a Rare Cause of Acute Abdomen
Paingha Joe Alagoa *
Department of Surgery, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Preye Numbere
Department of Surgery, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Kathleen Kentebe
Department of Surgery, Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Spontaneous perforation of the gall bladder is uncommon. It often presents with symptoms suggestive of peritonitis thereby posing a diagnostic challenge. We report the case of a 7 – year old boy who was admitted with surgical acute abdomen. Preoperative abdominal ultrasonography did not help in diagnosis as it was thought to be a case of typhoid intestinal perforation. The patient under- went an exploratory laparotomy which revealed a perforated gangrenous gall bladder. A cholecystectomy was done and patient recovered without incidence and was discharged home after a few days.
Keywords: Gall bladder, perforation, typhoid, child