Unusual fistula demonstrating the need for an early cholecystectomy

Abstract

A 79-year-old man developed a spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula 12 months after an initial episode of acute cholecystitis. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy procedure was twice abandoned due to extensive adhesions and active disease, limiting safe dissection of Calot's triangle. Abdominal collections formed and a spontaneous cholecystocutaneous fistula developed. Imaging revealed an 11 cm calculus and erosion of the fundus of the gall bladder through the sheath. Definitive management was achieved with a laparoscopic assisted open cholecystectomy.