ABSTRACT
The gallbladder can be located almost anywhere in the abdomen. Whenever the gallbladder is not found in its "normal" location, and has not been surgically removed, an ectopic position should be suspected. The intrahepatic gallbladder lies within the substance of the liver, such that little or none of the gallbladder is seen on the external hepatic surface. The portion of the gallbladder imbedded in the liver is variable; occasionally, surgeons and pathologists have noted that only a small part of an intrahepatic gallbladder neck or a tip of the fundus may protrude from the liver. A suprahepatic gallbladder also has been reported with hepatomegaly due to macronodular cirrhosis. Ectopic locations of the gallbladder, therefore, should be carefully documented and communicated to the patient's physician. Knowledge of the more common ectopic locations will also help prevent misdiagnosis when the gallbladder presents as a pseudomass.
