Doctors at Ujala Cygnus Hospital, Kashipur successfully performed a complex laparoscopic gallbladder surgery in a patient with a rare condition known as Situs Inversus Totalis, where the internal organs are arranged in a mirror-image position inside the body.

This unusual anatomy makes diagnosis and surgery more challenging, but with advanced laparoscopic techniques and experienced surgeons, the procedure was completed safely with excellent outcomes.

Patient’s Symptoms and Initial Consultation

A 46-year-old woman visited Ujala Cygnus Hospital complaining of persistent pain in the left upper abdomen for nearly six months.

Typically, gallbladder pain occurs on the right side of the abdomen, so the unusual location of the pain raised suspicion and required further evaluation.

Routine blood tests, including liver function tests, were normal, but doctors advised detailed imaging tests to determine the underlying cause.

A Rare Diagnosis: Situs Inversus Totalis

Further investigations including ultrasound, chest X-ray, and echocardiography revealed a rare congenital condition called Situs Inversus Totalis.

In this condition, the internal organs are positioned in a mirror image of their normal location.

For example:

The heart is located on the right side of the chest instead of the left (dextrocardia).

The gallbladder and liver are located on the opposite side of the abdomen.

Ultrasound imaging also confirmed the presence of two gallstones measuring 19 mm and 5 mm.

Situs Inversus Totalis is very rare and occurs in approximately 1 out of every 10,000 to 20,000 people.

Treatment: Advanced Laparoscopic Gallbladder Surgery

Doctors recommended laparoscopic cholecystectomy, a minimally invasive procedure used to remove the gallbladder containing stones. However, because the patient had a mirror-image arrangement of internal organs, the surgical team needed to modify the standard laparoscopic approach. The doctors carefully adjusted the placement of surgical ports, repositioned the surgical instruments, and adapted their hand coordination to work according to the reversed anatomy. With meticulous planning and expertise, the surgery was successfully performed using small incisions and a laparoscopic camera, allowing precise removal of the gallbladder while minimizing tissue damage and ensuring a safe outcome.

Successful Surgery and Smooth Recovery

The laparoscopic surgery was completed successfully in approximately 90 minutes, with minimal blood loss during the procedure. The patient responded well after the operation and experienced a smooth recovery without any complications. She was able to leave the hospital within 48 hours, indicating a quick postoperative recovery. During her one-week follow-up visit, the patient reported significant relief from the abdominal pain that had been troubling her for months and was recovering well overall.

According to Dr. Saurabh Mishra, Consultant – General Surgery at Ujala Cygnus Hospital, Kashipur, performing laparoscopic surgery in patients with reversed anatomy requires significant surgical experience, careful preoperative planning, and precise technique. He explains that Situs Inversus Totalis is a rare condition that can make both diagnosis and surgery more challenging because the internal organs are positioned in a mirror-image pattern. However, with accurate imaging, thorough preparation, and advanced laparoscopic expertise, such complex cases can be managed safely, leading to successful surgical outcomes and smooth patient recovery.

Patient Experience

The patient expressed relief after the surgery and thanked the medical team for their care and expertise.

“I had been suffering from abdominal pain for months. I am grateful to the doctors at Ujala Cygnus Hospital for diagnosing the problem correctly and treating it successfully.”