Idiopathic Chronic Cholecystitis with Delayed Diagnosis During the Early Childhood Period

Today, bile stones are increasingly common in children. Hemolytic disorders and ceftriaxone use are commonly implicated as risk factors, although approximately half of the cases are idiopathic. Patients at risk should be closely followed for bile stones and their complications. The majority of childhood cases are asymptomatic, and most asymptomatic cases are diagnosed by routine ultrasonographic studies. It is, therefore, imperative to perform periodic ultrasonographic studies in cases with hemolytic disorders. In this paper we report the case of a 2.5-year-old child with idiopathic chronic cholecystitis treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy, who received a delayed diagnosis after a 2-year history of abdominal pain. We also provide a review of the relevant literature. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy should be the first choice in the treatment of pediatric gall bladder diseases as it yields better cosmetic results, is less painful, and patients regain daily activities earlier