Fungal hepatic abscess formation postlaparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Abstract

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the preferred method for treating acute cholecystitis. Although the incidence of postoperative infections in laparoscopic cholecystectomy is low, serious postoperative surgical site infections are still reported. Hepatic abscesses, particularly fungal, can occur post-cholecystectomy leading to significant mortality and morbidity. We report a case of a 58-year-old female who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and subsequently developed fever, jaundice, and right upper quadrant pain. Laboratory results showed deranged liver function tests with raised inflammatory markers. Radiographic investigations, including CT and MRI, revealed an irregular hilar lesion with periportal changes suggestive of an abscess with portal vein thrombosis. Histopathological examination of the biopsy obtained from the hilar lesion showed a fungal hepatic infection, and particularly conidiobolomycosis. To our best knowledge, this is the first case that reports this fungal infection as a complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The patient was managed with a combination of intravenous antibiotics and antifungals, which yielded mild improvement. Unfortunately, the patient decided to leave the hospital against medical advice, limiting the information on the disease course.