The value of intraoperative percutaneous aspiration of the mucocele of the gallbladder for safe laparoscopic management

Mucocele of the gallbladder is an overdistended gallbladder filled with mucoid content. It is under-reported in humans, and literature review showed insufficient data about the incidence and the factors affecting the laparoscopic management. We aim to evaluate the intraoperative aspiration of the mucoid contents of the gallbladder as a factor influencing the outcome of the treatment. A prospective cohort database analysis of the results of patients who were diagnosed as mucocele of the gallbladder and treated laparoscopically between January 2003 and December 2012 was done. Diagnostic results, ultrasound findings, operative diagnosis, duration of symptoms, length of hospitalization, and complications were analyzed. 57 patients were diagnosed with mucocele of the gallbladder. The incidence rate was 5.85%. Male to female ratio was 1:1.48 and the mean age of patients was 37.41 ± 7.12 years. Ultrasound suspected mucocele in 24 (42%) patients. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in all 57 (100%) patients, and aspiration of mucoid fluid was done to all. Aspiration of the mucocele contents intraoperatively as a factor for safe laparoscopic management of mucocele of the gallbladder was found to represent a significant difference statistically (P  =  0.02). Morbidity and mortality rates were recorded as zero (0%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy could efficiently manage mucocele of the gallbladder with morbidity and mortality rates as low as 0%. The most important factor influencing the success of the procedure is the intraoperative aspiration of the mucoid contents of the gallbladder. Collapsing of the gallbladder wall was a keystone in the non-complicated laparoscopic procedure.