Incidental finding of ectopic liver during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract

Objective: Rare co-existance of disease or pathology Background: Incidental finding of ectopic liver is gaining more attention especially during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It is reported to be found in different locations as gallbladder, stomach, spleen, umbilical ligament and other intra-peritoneal and intra-thoracic sites. Case Reports: We present 2 cases of ectopic liver found on gallbladder during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for 2 Lebanese females. Our findings were consistent with previous reports. The ectopic liver tissues measured 0.9 cm and 0.5 cm respectively, which were smaller than other reports. The liver tissue lacked a biliary system, which was similar to what has been previously reported in the literature. However, no malignant histological signs were seen when excised. Conclusions: These 2 cases highlight the fact that ectopic liver tissue may be encountered on the gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Awareness of this potential entity is beneficial to widen the differential diagnosis when identified on imaging studies pre-operatively or when found incidentally during surgery as in this case.