Gall bladder associated ectopic liver

Published: 04/05/2012

Authors: Patel A, Yousuf SM and Abou Samra SW

A 21-year-old woman presented with right upper quadrant pain. Ultrasound scanning revealed gallstones. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. Attached to the surface of the gall bladder were two pyramids of ectopic liver tissue approximately 1·8 cm and 2·6 cm across. Each pyramid was supplied by a branch of the cystic artery and drained by a vein leading into the liver. Cholecystectomy was performed, including the areas of ectopic liver. Ectopic liver is rare and is usually encountered incidentally at the time of surgery. If found, ectopic liver tissue should be resected because these lesions have an increased predisposition to hepatocellular carcinoma.