Empyema from lost gallstones: a thoracic complication of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy may result in lost (dropped) gallstones. Such stones may precipitate abdominal abscesses including subphrenic abscesses. In our case, the abscess eroded through the diaphragm causing an empyema 17 months after the laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Treatment included decortication, drainage, and removal of the stones.