H-type double gallbladder malformation: a case report

Abstract Biliary tract malformations are rare congenital anomalies, occurring in approximately 1 in 4000 individuals that may predispose to cholelithiasis and increase surgical risks, emphasizing the need for precise preoperative diagnosis. We report a 21-year-old male with recurrent biliary colic found to have a rare "H-type" duplex gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy—two separate gallbladders with independent cystic ducts. Pathology confirmed cholelithiasis with cholecystitis. The patient had an uncomplicated recovery with discharge on postoperative day 1. This case underscores the importance of recognizing such anatomical variants preoperatively to minimize surgical complications in biliary procedures.