Published online Dec 16, 2014. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v2.i12.924
Revised: August 30, 2014
Accepted: September 23, 2014
Published online: December 16, 2014
Ectopic liver tissue (ELT) is a rare condition, which is usually not diagnosed preoperatively, but coincidentally during abdominal surgery. While the location of ELT can vary, it is usually localized on the gallbladder wall or in close proximity. ELT is associated with various complications, a major complication being extrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma. A 59-year-old female underwent elective surgery for chronic cholecystitis with stones. During laparoscopic exploration, a 2-cm-diameter ELT was detected in the anterior gallbladder wall and a laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed. The case is presented due to the rare nature of ELT and as a reminder of ELT-related complications.
Core tip: Ectopic hepatic tissue is a rare condition and it has been reported in several sites, such as the gallbladder, gastrohepatic ligament, adrenal glands, and esophagus. It is usually clinically silent and found incidentally. Ectopic hepatic tissue carries an increased risk of malignant degeneration to hepatocellular carcinoma. It should be discovered and removed by the surgeon to prevent a higher risk of complications and malignant transformation.