The significance of gallbladder trauma.

This study reviewed patients with gallbladder trauma over a 14-year period treated at Truman Medical Center to determine the complications, associated injuries, and mortality rate. Fourteen patients had gallbladder trauma, 12 penetrating and two blunt. All patients underwent cholecystectomy and 10 had 3 or more associated injuries that required operative care. There were no biliary duct injuries or postoperative biliary complications. Seven patients had postoperative wound, pulmonary, or abdominal infections. There was one mortality due to delayed splenic hematoma, myocardial infarction, and cardiac dysrhythmia. Gallbladder trauma was always associated with significant multi-organ injuries that required early operative intervention.