Congenital absence of the gallbladder and the cystic duct.

A 47 years old female with congenital absence of the gallbladder and the cystic duct was presented. The diagnosis was confirmed by exploratory laparatomy, common duct tube cholangiography, and ultrasonography. Most of the operated cases of congenital absence of the gallbladder are symptomatic, and they get relief after common duct exploration. Although the biliary tree is normal on inspection at exploration, it is believed that the symptomatology may have root in congenital abnormality of function. Treatment of the agenesis of the gallbladder as described in earlier days has been discussed. In the present situation, specially in a country like Ethiopia where long time care of internal drains is a worrisome problem, and a major point for concern, the author believes choledocho-enteric anastomosis to be a good solution.