Summary

Isolated gallbladder rupture following blunt thoracoabdominal trauma is rare; gall bladder rupture is seen in <1% of blunt abdominal trauma. This case report describes a significant mechanism of blunt force injury resulting in an isolated gallbladder rupture. Risk factors for traumatic gallbladder rupture are reviewed and the authors propose that a stiff, cirrhotic liver may exacerbate shear forces in the gallbladder fossa and represents an important risk factor for blunt gallbladder injury. Cholecystectomy remains the definitive management for gallbladder trauma. Almost all gallbladder injuries following blunt trauma are associated with other significant intra-abdominal injuries and in the setting of acute trauma, the authors recommend an open procedure to facilitate a detailed exploration of the peritoneal cavity to exclude associated injuries.