Gallstone Embedded within a Port Site Metastasis - Report of a Case

YM Tan, DTH Lim
Correspondence: Dr Tan Yu Meng, gsutym@sgh.com.sg

ABSTRACT
The occurrence of port site metastasis after laparoscopic cholecystectomy for an incidental gallbladder carcinoma is well-documented but the underlying aetiology is not clear. Several mechanisms including tumour implantation to the effects of carbon dioxide usage have been implicated. Here, we describe an unusual case of a late port site recurrence in a 60-year-old woman where a gallstone was found embedded within the heart of the recurrence. We critically review the basic and clinical evidence that contributes to the pathophysiology of this phenomenon and the surgical strategies employed.

Keywords: gallbladder carcinoma, port site metastases, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, pneumoperitoneum and implantation
Singapore Med J 2002; 43(12): 637-639