Extraabdominal malposition of the gallbladder

Anomalies of the biliary system are rare. Anomalies of the gallbladder and anomalies of the bile ducts are distinguished. We observed a newborn with a gallbladder in an extraabdominal malposition, an anomaly that has not been previously described. Ultrasonography revealed a cystic structure with a ductlike connection with the interior surface of the liver and connecting blood vessels. On the bottom side of the liver, there was no orthotopic gallbladder. As the nature of this lesion could not be definitely clarified, an explorative laparotomy was performed. Histologic examination established the diagnosis of an ectopic gallbladder.