JSLS : Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons
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Congenital absence of the gallbladder is a rare, usually asymptomatic, anatomical variation. Some affected individuals may present with a clinical picture suggestive of gallbladder disease. This presentation, coupled with the inability of standard abdominal ultrasonography to convincingly diagnose agenesis of the gallbladder, can put the surgeon in a diagnostic and intraoperative dilemma. ⋯ Nonvisualization of the gallbladder at laparoscopy, in the absence of any other diagnosed biliary disorder, need not prompt conversion to open exploration of the extrahepatic biliary system. Newer imaging modalities are relatively noninvasive and can provide good delineation of biliary anatomy. This allows wellplanned treatment and at the same time prevents the added morbidity of a diagnostic laparotomy performed solely to confirm the absence of the gallbladder.