Clipped the CBD instead of the cystic duct — negligence upheld in routine gallbladder surgery
Issue -
May - 2026, Posted On: 01 May 2026
A patient underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstones and was discharged within two days. Within a week, she developed severe abdominal pain, vomiting and progressive distention. She was readmitted but did not improve.
Subsequent imaging at another centre revealed massive intra-abdominal fluid collection. MRCP findings indicated bile leak near the ductal stump. On referral to a tertiary hospital, nearly four litres of bile were drained from the abdomen. Further evaluation confirmed injury to the common bile duct (CBD), necessitating staged corrective surgeries, including major reconstructive repair.