A rare case of left-sided gallbladder detected during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Abstract Left-sided gallbladder (LSG), also known as sinistroposition, is a rare congenital anatomical variation in which the gallbladder is located to the left of the round ligament (ligamentum teres). This anomaly is usually asymptomatic and frequently detected incidentally during surgery, but it may pose significant technical challenges and increase the risk of intraoperative bile duct injury. We report a rare case of a 58-year-old male with symptomatic cholelithiasis in whom a LSG was unexpectedly identified during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The operative strategy was modified by trocar repositioning to achieve adequate exposure and safe dissection. The procedure was completed successfully without intraoperative or postoperative complications. This case highlights the importance of intraoperative vigilance and flexible surgical strategies when encountering unexpected hepatobiliary anatomical variations.