Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis in a patient with situs inversus totalis: A case report

Abstract

Situs inversus complicates diagnosis and treatment due to the mirrored organ placement in relation to normal anatomy. This report describes a 78-year-old female patient with situs inversus totalis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for cholecystolithiasis and choledocholithiasis. Utilizing the “French mirror technique” for port placement, the surgeon adeptly mirrored standard maneuvers with a 2-mm needle forceps in the left hand and a 5-mm forceps in the right in a reversed anatomical setting. This technique maintained familiar hand movements, despite the patient's unique anatomy. The surgeon applied transcystic ductal bile duct exploration, using choledochoscopy for duct exploration and a basket catheter for stone removal. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration through the transcystic ductal route are viable and effective for patients with situs inversus.